Ion Antonescu

The same decree consecrated a ceremonial role for the monarch. Michael ascended the throne for the second time while Antonescu's dictatorial powers were confirmed and extended. On the PCR side the discussions involved Lucreţiu Pătrăşcanu and later Emil Bodnăraş.

While these groups elevated Antonescu to the status of hero his involvement in the Holocaust was officially reasserted and condemned following the 2003 Wiesel Commission report. After entering Romania into an alliance with Nazi Germany and the Axis and ensuring Adolf Hitler's confidence he eliminated the Guard during the Legionary Rebellion of 1941.