List of Presidents of Romania: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Romania from 1974 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Romania, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Romania: Nicușor Dan (in office since 2025).

Presidents of Romania in order, with years in office

Nicolae Ceaușescu

Served: 1974–1989

Communist leader who became president in 1974; he was overthrown and executed in December 1989.

Ion Iliescu

Served: 1989–1996

Led the provisional government after the 1989 revolution and won the 1990 and 1992 elections.

Emil Constantinescu

Served: 1996–2000

Geologist and former university rector who defeated Iliescu in 1996.

Ion Iliescu

Served: 2000–2004

Returned to office after winning the 2000 election.

Traian Băsescu

Served: 2004–2014

Parliament suspended him in 2007 and 2012, and voters kept him in office; acting presidents served during each suspension.

Klaus Iohannis

Served: 2014–2025

First president from the German minority; he resigned on 12 February 2025 after the annulment of the 2024 election.

Ilie Bolojan

Served: 2025 (acting)

Senate president who acted as head of state from February to May 2025.

Nicușor Dan

Served: 2025–present

Mathematician and former mayor of Bucharest who won the May 2025 runoff and took office on 26 May 2025.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Romania

Who is the current president of Romania?

The current head of state of Romania is Nicușor Dan, in office since 2025.

Who were the previous presidents of Romania?

The presidents and heads of state of Romania listed on this page, in order, are: Nicolae Ceaușescu, Ion Iliescu, Emil Constantinescu, Ion Iliescu, Traian Băsescu, Klaus Iohannis, Ilie Bolojan, Nicușor Dan.

Who was the first president of Romania?

Nicolae Ceaușescu was the first president of Romania, in office 1974–1989.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Romania and Presidency of Nicușor Dan; Radio Romania International, Romania Insider and Agerpres reports (checked Nov 2026). Heads of state since 1974, when the presidency was created; the acting president of 2025 is labelled.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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