However, rapid economic growth fueled in part by foreign credits gradually gave way to an austerity and political repression that led to the violent fall of his totalitarian government in December 1989.

The Communitarian Party of Romania (Romanian: Partidul Comunitar din România, PCDR) is a political party in Romania. The leader of the party is Petre Ignătencu. Though not openly communist, the party unofficially claims to be the successor of the Romanian Communist Party, often using its symbology during party actions.

No, Romania was never a part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). However, it came under Soviet influence and control for a period after World War II. During World War II, Romania initially aligned with Nazi Germany and participated in the invasion of the Soviet Union.

In practice, from 1974 onward Ceaușescu frequently ruled by decree. Over time, he usurped many powers and functions that nominally were vested in the State Council as a whole. Effectively, Ceaușescu now held all governing power in the nation; virtually all party and state institutions were subordinated to his will.