Historian Tom Gallagher analyzes Ion Iliescu's negative impact on democracy in Romania, describing him as an architect of a hybrid and unrepresentative system.

In his article, Gallagher points out that Ion Iliescu maintained a rigid political system, opposing the true democratization of Romania after 1989. He used violence and manipulation to consolidate his power, including by recruiting miners to repress the opposition. Gallagher believes Iliescu created a sham democracy, favoring an oligarchy and protecting old communist structures. His death will not generate significant national grief, given lingering resentment over his political methods.