Nicolae Ceaușescu, former President of Romania and General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party, passed away on 25 December 1989 at the age of 71. Ceaușescu's rise through the Romanian government started in 1957 with his appointment as First Secretary of the Communist Youth League. He became Secretary General of the Romanian Communist Party in 1965, and later, President in 1967. During his time in office, Ceaușescu implemented a wide range of economic policies which sought to improve the standard of living for the Romanian people. He also introduced measures which created more freedom of expression. Ceaușescu was ousted from power in 1989, in a revolution led by people who had grown disaffected with his rule. He was later tried and convicted of crimes against the state, after which he was executed. Ceaușescu will be remembered as a controversial figure in Romania's history. His legacy will continue to be discussed and debated among scholars for generations to come.