Office of the Historian

163. Information Report From the Central Intelligence Agency to the Department of State1

Washington, August 28, 1987, 2055Z

630132. Dist: 28 August 1987.

Country: Romania

Subj: Struggle for Power Within the Top Romanian Leadership

DOI: [less than 1 line not declassified]

Source: [less than 2 lines not declassified]

Text:

1.
For some time, there have been major tensions within the “clan” of Romanian leader Nicolae (Ceausescu). Because of Ceausescu’s mounting psychological and physical problems, and the concomitant growing influence of his wife Elena (Ceausescu), differences are becoming apparent not only within the family itself but also in circles around the family.
2.
Although Ceausescu’s prostate gland trouble has been cleared up, he is physically and psychologically not “up to” the demands of his office. He is under continuing medical supervision and must be stimulated through medication for all important appointments. Reasonable political decisions can no longer be expected of him. His major focus is on his giant construction projects, the progress of which he follows almost daily.
3.
Elena Ceausescu does not hinder him from following his whims in this regard, and thus has a free hand herself for important political decisions. She has to a large degree assumed from him the authority to make decisions, and at times even goes so far as to countermand, without informing him, decisions he has taken. She constantly endeavors to bolster her own position of power. As a result of her clever personnel policy, she has been able to recruit as supporters a not-inconsiderable number of top-level officials. She has also, however, made a number of real enemies.
4.
Most top-level officials have already “written off” Ceausescu. They see him as a self-satisfied would-be monarch who has become senile and thus unpredictable, and who should actually be “deposed.” It is feared, however, that such a “desposition” would lead to unrest and insecurity, which could do the country even more harm. Consequently, these individuals prefer to wait until his eventual natural demise.
5.
An opposition group has secretly formed within the leadership of the party and government in order to prevent Elena from ever [Page 458] assuming power. This group’s near-term goal is to hinder the further expansion of Elena’s influence. The group undoubtedly has contacts with Moscow, and presumably Soviet backing for its goals. At present, the group intends to promote Nicu (Ceausescu)—because of the tensions between himself and and his mother—in the hopes that this will restrict further expansion of her influence.

  1. Source: Reagan Library, Rudolf Perina Files, Subject File, Romania—Substance 1987 (3). Secret; Specat; [handling restrictions not declassified]. Also sent to the White House Situation Room and the Office of Current Operations at the CIA.↩