Brǎtianu, Ioan Constantin (1821–1891)

Romanian premier 1876–88. During his administration, Romania won its independence and embarked on a programme of economic development.

Prior to his premiership, he took part in the Wallachian rebellion of 1848 and fled to Paris when it failed. In 1857 he returned and emerged as a Liberal leader. He helped to engineer the election of Carol (later Carol I) as Prince of Romania in 1866 and served throughout his first ministry. He spent six years in opposition before becoming premier.