Ilie Văduva (Romanian pronunciation: [iˈli.e ˈvəduva]; July 21, 1934 – November 13, 1998[1]) was a Romanian communist politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania from 1985 until 1986, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation from August 26, 1986, until May 1988 and Presidential Counselor from December 1988 until December 1989.
After completing high school in Târgu Jiu in 1954, he attended the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, graduating in 1958.
[2] Văduva, who advised on economic issues and had no knowledge of international relations, was regarded as the protégé of the First Lady of Romania, Elena Ceaușescu.
[5][6] Văduva served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from November 11, 1985, until August 26, 1986, mainly promoting Elena Ceaușescu's international profile.
[9] He held this post until May 21, 1988, when he was sacked by the Romanian leadership for his role in storing toxic waste in the Black Sea port of Sulina, causing an environmental scandal and outrage.