Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis dies aged 88
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Simitis’ funeral will be carried out with the honours of a serving Prime Minister. Among the most important successes of his eight-year term were Greece joining the eurozone, as well as his effort in pushing for Cyprus’ accession to the European Union.
Costas Simitis, the former Greek Prime Minister, has passed away at the age of 88. According to reports, he was found unconscious at his country residence in Agioi Theodoroi and was rushed to Corinth hospital, where doctors were unable to revive him.
His funeral will take place on 9 January at the Metropolis of Athens. The ceremony will be held with full state honours and at public expense, in recognition of his significant contribution to Greece.
In light of his passing, the Greek government has announced a four-day period of national mourning.
Born on 23 June 1936, Simitis was a prominent Greek university academic and politician. He served as leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) from 1996 to 2004 and was Prime Minister of Greece during the same eight-year period.
A key figure in Greece’s post-Junta era, Simitis was instrumental in the founding of PASOK in 1974 and held a number of ministerial posts as the party rose to power.
On 30 June 1996, a few days after the death of former Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, Costas Simitis was elected President of PASOK at the 4th Congress of the party. Representing the “modernist” faction of the party, Simitis focused on implementing economic reforms in Greece’s economy and advancing the country’s social and economic integration with the EU.
He was re-elected Prime Minister after winning the elections of September 1996 and April 2000.
As prime minister, Simitis pursued a moderate foreign policy while overseeing the gradual privatisation of Greece’s public sector. His goal was to bring economic stability to the country and align it with the policies of the EU.
Under his leadership, PASOK’s rhetoric shifted towards a more centrist position, advocating for Greece’s deeper integration into Europe in the context of globalisation. His second term in office saw the introduction of austerity measures designed to curb inflation and reduce the national debt.
In terms of foreign policy, Simitis worked towards resolving Greece’s long-standing differences with Turkey, particularly concerning the Cyprus issue. He is also credited with securing some of Greece’s most significant achievements, including the country’s accession to the Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. He also played a role in Cyprus’ accession to the EU in 2004.
Condolences of N. Androulakis to Daphne Simitis
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola posted a message in Greek on X, espressing her condolences as well as hailing Simitis as a “deeply Europeanist and visionary politician who legacy has a special place both in Greek and European politics.”
Nikos Androulakis, the president of PASOK, expressed his condolences to Daphne Simitis, the widow of the late former Prime Minister.
The President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, offered a poignant farewell to Simitis, acknowledging him as one of the most important political figures in Greece’s modern history, while extending her deepest condolences to his family.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, along with other political leaders, also paid tribute to Simitis.
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