His last and most infamous speech occurred on December 21, 1989, during the Romanian Revolution — 21 years later.Here’s what happened during his final speech: • It was delivered from the balcony of the Central Committee building in Bucharest. • Ceaușescu was attempting to calm a growing rebellion by offering empty promises, including wage increases and better living conditions. • He misjudged the mood of the people — they had endured years of repression, poverty, and secret police surveillance.

30 years ago, the spark that ignited the Romanian Revolution arose in the western town of Timișoara and soon spread across the country. What followed was Europe’s bloodiest anti-communist uprising. People took to the streets, risking their lives and freedom to fight for a better life, starting Romania’s transition to democracy. | European Commission