Nicolae Ceaușescu was a Romanian politician who served as the General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party from 1965 until 1989. He became the country's leader and president, known for his authoritarian regime and efforts to promote nationalism. Ceaușescu's policies included extensive industrialization and a focus on self-sufficiency, which often led to economic hardship for the population. His rule was marked by severe repression, censorship, and a cult of personality. In December 1989, widespread protests against his government led to his overthrow and execution, marking the end of communist rule in Romania.