The Ceaușescu regime refers to the authoritarian government led by Nicolae Ceaușescu in Romania from 1965 until 1989. Ceaușescu's rule was characterized by a cult of personality, extensive state control over the economy, and severe restrictions on personal freedoms. His policies aimed at rapid industrialization often resulted in widespread poverty and food shortages. The regime faced growing discontent, culminating in the Romanian Revolution of December 1989. Protests against the government led to violent clashes, and Ceaușescu was eventually captured and executed. His downfall marked the end of communist rule in Romania and the beginning of a transition to democracy.