Reporting people who cry Ion Iliescu. How do I remember the former president those who came to the Catafal of the former President – Video
Several hundred people passed to Ion Iliescu's catafalm in the first hours since the opening of the Cotroceni Palace for the public. They laid flowers and candles and paid tribute to the former head of state. Reporters HotNews.ro They talked to some of them to find out what memories of Ion Iliescu have.
On the Boulevard of Genius in the Capital, at one of the entrances in the Cotroceni Palace, a small pilgrimage place was arranged in the memory of Ion Iliescu. A portrait of the former president has been placed nearby, a sign that people who want to pay tribute is here.
Some lit candles, and then sat next to the Cotroceni Palace wall. The first people came from 10.00, although the gates opened for the public at 13.00. But they waited for the moment.
On the background, from time to time there was a driver who passed by: “But what? Here he died?”. “But those files what happened to them?”
People did not show signs hearing the questions. They came with flowers and show their respect for the former president. How do I remember Ion Iliescu?
“He kept the state unit”
Dressed in a blue suit, Florin Negoiță came from 10.00 at the Cotroceni Palace, three hours before the public access was allowed. Until then, they were only political and diplomatic leaders.
“I came to bring him a pious tribute, as a gesture of gratitude for the fact that, through special wisdom and intelligence, he kept the state unit. He managed in his mandates to coagulate people and personalities, professionals and patriots to put the shoulder to construction with nobility and elegance,” says the man, as a lawyer.
He believes that not all Romanians have understood the facts of Ion Iliescu, but “each one judges according to his value”.
“I would also like the future state leaders from the governmental and parliamentary world to obtain 85%, as Ion Iliescu obtained on May 20, 1990,” he says.
Cristina Lache is more detained in descriptions. He says that the back hurts, a pain that “always starts in the most emotional moments”. Even with pain, he came around 11.30 at the Cotroceni Palace.
“Mr. President Ion Iliescu meant a man of great moral quality. And an honest man, a modest man. He was a popular, cheerful and spiritual man. God rest in peace,” says Cristina Lache. He says she was a nurse in the MApN. She's a pensioner now.
“An exceptional man! A great soul”
Mihaela Roxana Dumitru says she is a writer and, insist, parapsychologist. He holds a book in his hand and says it is written by her. “Matsuri. Holidays. Thoughts for the soul.”
She also came from 10.00, to light a candle to Ion Iliescu, who says she admires “as her own grandfather”. When he learned he was waiting, he began to wonder what he can do to pass the time.
“He was an exceptional man. A great soul. He helped a lot of people. I don't know if you can say more than that. He was an extraordinary, and modest and good man. And Mrs. Nina as well, a beautiful family,” she says.
At lunch formed queue
Around noon, about 200 people were in line to enter the courtyard of the Cotroceni Palace. Among them, and a few young people, who were not born when Ion Iliescu was president.
This is the case of Alexander, 24 years old, who is a master of history.
“I was born in 2001, I did not get to catch his government or to understand when I was little what this man meant for Romania. In addition to the controversies of the 90s, I came first of all for the president, for the first state leader, whether he is controversial or not. It seems to me that it is a historical event that I would not like.”
He expresses “the regret that we will find out much further whether the justice is favorable or not” to Ion Iliescu.
“For now, a free man has died,” says the young man, who carries around his neck, like a scarf, the flag of Romania.
“He sought to be Romania for good”
Among those in line in Cotroceni are people who came only to see what the Cotroceni Palace looks like. “It is how you see on the TV, it controls you like at the airport, I came to see what Cotrocenii looks and I leave now.”
In addition to curious, some are unhappy that there are no more people. “It is sad that there is more press than the world,” says a woman in line.
Another one says that “we will have such a president.” He does not want to talk to certain journalists and ask everyone where he works.
Most people do not want to think about the files in which Ion Iliescu was involved. I answer with Simiae expressions. “History will judge him” or “everyone will pay their sins.”
“I will remember him as a savior”
Most agree that Ion Iliescu was the best president of Romania. He appreciates that he was a man very close to the country, not like others, especially as the current politicians.
“He sought Romania to be for good, not today, when we are against each other. I do not do it better now than then, neither political nor economic. It was completely and completely different, more beautiful and decent,” says another woman.
“He is the only president who knew his job description,” says a determined man. Does not want to argue.
An almost crying woman crying, says that during the term of Ion Iliescu's term she felt really free. “It was quiet when it appeared, it was not chaos, I felt free. I will remember him as a savior.”
She also talks about how in the case of mining has not done justice, but she hopes to do it.
Mrs. Nina Iliescu's crown
After the buzz from the tail and in the yard of the palace, maybe, maybe, the only moments of peace: the arrival at the catapult.
It enters one by one. Some people cry. Even in hiccups. Other people greet military, while others take their hands.
They are almost alone, in the overwhelming hall of the Union in the Cotroceni Palace, in front of the catafalc raised on a post, surrounded by four guards, a modest cross and a crown of white roses, which he writes: “Rest in peace. With deep pain, Nina.”
Every man stays a few seconds. Then he leaves the room. Almost immediately the buzz appears again. People are starting to speak, sometimes heated.
“The third term was the best.” “It is not true. The second term was the best and no one can contradict me.” “I do not know how Nicuşor allows himself to be so arrogant with a president. Who is he believed?” “Not here he had to bring him, but to the Palace Hall, that's why there are so few flowers.”
Then everyone leaves. Some say they are “sad that history has been unfair to the former president”, others say they are happy to pay a tribute to him.
