Nicolae Filipescu was described by the City Council as “a young man with noble sentiments, full of energy and intelligence” when he was elected mayor of Bucharest. Born in 1862 in the Romanian capital, Filipescu came from the union of two prominent boyar families: he was the son of Grigore Filipescu and Anastasia Rosetti. 

Early life and education

His upbringing instilled in him both privilege and a profound sense of duty toward his country. Filipescu pursued higher education abroad, attending schools in Geneva and Paris, where he earned a doctorate in law in 1883. 

His European education exposed him to liberal ideas and honed his analytical and rhetorical skills, shaping him into a formidable figure in Romanian public life. Upon returning home, Filipescu’s ambitions quickly turned toward influencing politics and shaping the nation’s future.

Journalism and entry into politics

In 1885, Nicolae Filipescu founded the newspaper Epoca, which became an essential platform for conservative thought, akin to Mihai Eminescu’s Timpul. The publication allowed Filipescu to voice political ideas, rally support, and build a reputation as a bold and uncompromising thinker.

Just two years later, in 1887, he officially entered politics as a member of the Conservative Party. At that time, Romania was in a period of political tension. 

The Liberal government, led by Ion C. Brătianu, was embroiled in financial scandals involving military contracts and connections between suppliers and high-ranking officers. 

These controversies, coupled with failed cabinet reshuffles and the mounting influence of the “United Opposition,” which included figures like Take Ionescu, Alexandru Marghiloman, and Alexandru Știrbei, created an environment ripe for political change.

Filipescu’s fiery temperament and relentless drive allowed him to seize the moment. He quickly became known not only for his eloquence and political insight but also for his willingness to invest personal resources into advancing the Conservative cause—spending money freely on party activities to the consternation of his mother.

Imprisonment and political resilience

Filipescu’s aggressive style often brought him into conflict with authorities. Following the resignation of Brătianu’s government, his outspoken nature and reputation as a political agitator led to his imprisonment at Văcărești. However, he was released on the day the new government assumed power. Rather than discouraging him, the experience of incarceration seemed to strengthen his determination, sharpening his resolve to dominate the political arena.

Mayoralty and modernization of Bucharest

Nicolae Filipescu served as mayor of Bucharest for two years and seven months, from February 1893 to 1895. His tenure was marked by substantial modernization efforts that transformed the city and laid the groundwork for its 20th-century development.

He commissioned contractors to capture groundwater from Chiajna, Bragadiru, and Ulmi and to repair filtration systems at Arcuda. Wastewater drainage networks were expanded, improving sanitation across the city. To fund these projects, Filipescu arranged a 30-million-lei loan from a consortium of German banks in March 1895.

During his administration, 74 streets were paved with cobblestones, Boulevard Colțea was inaugurated from Lipscani Street to Piața Victoriei and Bulevardul Regina Maria, and public infrastructure improvements included eight new schools, Obor Railway Station, the Astronomical Observatory of the Romanian Academy, and the creation of Hala Traian. 

Câmpia Filaretului was converted into a public park, and the electric tram was introduced on the Marele Bulevard. Additionally, the city’s gas and electric lighting network was extended over a 60-kilometer radius around the National Theatre Square.

Perhaps his most enduring contribution was the completion of the cadastral plan for Bucharest, which provided the foundation for the city’s modern street layout. Filipescu also supported cultural endeavors, providing a subsidy to historian Ionescu Gion for his work on the history of Bucharest, which was later honored by the Romanian Academy.

Duels and personal courage

Filipescu’s reputation for bravery extended beyond politics into the realm of dueling, a practice that, though illegal, remained a mark of honor among the elite. 

One of his most infamous duels arose from a conflict with journalist George Em. Lahovary, director of the liberal newspaper L’Indépendance Roumaine. Lahovary had criticized Filipescu for inconsistent editorial positions and for aspiring to the post of Romanian minister in Paris, then held by Lahovary’s brother.

The dispute escalated into a sword duel. Filipescu, a skilled fencer trained privately by Master Guyon, sought not death but the shedding of blood to settle the matter. 

During the duel, Filipescu struck Lahovary in the chest, killing him instantly. He was subsequently sentenced to six months in Văcărești prison, returning once more to serve his sentence.

Filipescu vowed to restrict future duels to pistols, yet his combative nature led him to break this promise. He engaged in another duel with Leon Ghica-Dumbrăveni, a supporter of his rival Take Ionescu, sustaining a minor injury to his mouth. 

A later duel with Șerban Cantacuzino nearly cost him his life, as Cantacuzino attempted to shoot to kill. Filipescu survived by firing above his opponent, honoring a prior promise to spare the young Cantacuzino.

Military and national service

Beyond city management and political confrontations, Filipescu contributed to national defense and military organization as Minister of War. He helped establish the Military Circle, improved army structure, and hosted official receptions and dinners to bolster morale.

Despite prior rivalries with Take Ionescu, the two politicians united in pursuit of a common goal: Romania’s entry into World War I on the side of the Allies.

Unfortunately, Filipescu’s health declined due to chronic heart and kidney conditions. Despite this, he remained active in political life until shortly before his death. On February 15, 1916, at a meeting of the “League for the Political Unity of All Romanians,” he addressed King Ferdinand, urging him to aspire to the glory of Mihai Viteazul:

“Sire, you will be the greatest ruler of the country, adorned with the titles of Mihai Viteazul—ruler of Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia. Therefore, the greatness we wish for you is to be crowned at Alba Iulia or to die on the Turda Plain, and you will be the greatest hero of the nation.”

Final years and legacy

Tragically, Nicolae Filipescu died on September 30, 1916, before witnessing the realization of Greater Romania or the coronation of King Ferdinand at Alba Iulia. At his funeral, M. Saveanu, president of the Chamber of Deputies, eulogized him: 

“He transcended the narrow confines of a party, rising to the heights of a warm patriotism that placed him among the great sons of the country. He had but one star, the love of his homeland, and that star shone upon him for the glory of his nation.”

Nicolae Filipescu’s life was a testament to energy, courage, and unwavering patriotism. From modernizing Bucharest’s infrastructure and championing national causes to participating in lethal duels and enduring imprisonment, his story reflects the intensity and passion of a man committed to his ideals. 

Filipescu remains a symbol of a Romania in transition, a leader whose life bridged the 19th and 20th centuries and whose vision helped shape the capital city and the nation—even if he did not live to see the unification he so ardently pursued.

We also recommend: The Lahovary Fountain in Bucharest—witness to a fatal duel fought under unfair conditions