Ion Gigurtu (24 June 1886 – 24 November 1959) was a Romanian politician, businessman, and General who served as Prime Minister of Romania from July 4, 1940 until September 4, 1940. He was preceded by Gheorghe Tatarescu and succeeded by Ion Antonescu.
As Prime Minister[]
Ion Gigurtu was appointed by King Carol II to serve as his prime minister on July 4, 1940. He was chosen due to his loyalty to his dictatorship, his pro-German attitudes, and his good relations with the Nazis and German businessmen. By appointing him to power, Carol II hoped that Gigurtu could prevent the Second Vienna Award, which would lead to Romania giving up Northern Transylvania to Hungary.
During his term as Prime Minister, Gigurtu would withdraw Romania from the League of Nations, pass anti-semitic laws, and increase trade with the Axis powers. However, this was not enough to prevent the Second Vienna Award. Hitler demanded that Carol II give up Northern Transylvania to Hungary, in order for him to guarantee Romania's borders. Romania, under the pressure of Germany and Italy, gave up Northern Transylvania to Hungary. This lead to nationalists becoming angry at the government and the fall of Carol II's regime. He resigned on September 4, 1940. He was succeeded by Antonescu, who then forced Carol II to abdicate.