Costas Simitis, Greece’s former Prime Minister, passed away at 88. He was found unconscious at his residence in Agioi Theodoroi and rushed to Corinth hospital, where doctors could not revive him. His funeral will be held on 9 January at the Metropolis of Athens with full state honours and public funding to commemorate his contribution to Greece.
In response to his death, the Greek government declared four days of national mourning to honour his legacy.
Simitis’ Leadership and Achievements
Born on 23 June 1936, Simitis was a distinguished academic and politician. He led the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and served as Greece’s Prime Minister from 1996 to 2004. A founding member of PASOK in 1974, Simitis rose to leadership following the death of Andreas Papandreou, representing the party’s “modernist” faction.
During his premiership, Simitis implemented significant economic reforms to stabilise Greece’s economy and align it with EU policies. He guided Greece into the Economic and Monetary Union in 2001 and supported Cyprus’ accession to the EU in 2004. His government pursued privatisation and austerity measures to reduce debt and curb inflation, while also seeking reconciliation with Turkey, focusing on the Cyprus issue.
Under his leadership, PASOK adopted centrist policies, advocating for Greece’s integration into Europe within a globalised framework.
Tributes and Condolences
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola hailed Simitis as a “visionary politician” with a lasting legacy in Greek and European politics. PASOK president Nikos Androulakis expressed his condolences to Simitis’ widow, Daphne Simitis.
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou honoured Simitis as one of modern Greece’s most influential political figures and offered sympathies to his family. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other political leaders also paid tribute, recognising Simitis’ profound impact on Greece’s political and economic progress.