Elena Ceaușescu, despite lacking formal scientific training, was promoted to high-ranking academic and political positions. This nepotism, combined with the regime’s sycophancy, deepened public resentment. Thousands of villages were demolished or slated for demolition in an effort to modernize and industrialize the country. Families were relocated into standardized apartment blocks.
In 1966, he banned abortion and contraception in an effort to increase the population. This led to an initial baby boom, but also to unsafe abortions, high maternal mortality, and thousands of abandoned children living in overcrowded orphanages. Ceaușescu prioritized heavy industry over consumer needs, neglecting agriculture and basic services. In the 1970s, Ceaușescu borrowed heavily from Western banks to fund his modernization projects. However, mismanagement, corruption, and poor planning caused Romania to sink into debt.
