Nicolae Ceaușescu

Nicolae Ceaușescu was a Romanian communist leader who ruled Romania from 1965 until 1989. He worked closely with the Soviet Union early on, but later pursued an independent, often oppressive, policy. Known for his authoritarian rule, Ceaușescu centralized power, suppressed dissent, and implemented large-scale projects like a massive palace in Bucharest. His regime was marked by economic hardship, shortages, and human rights abuses. In 1989, as Eastern Europe faced protests and change, Ceaușescu was overthrown in a violent revolution and executed, ending decades of his dictatorship.