LFormer Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, celebrated as the architect of Greece’s political transformation, has passed away at the age of 88.
His unexpected death on Sunday came without any prior signs of ill health.
The Greek government has declared a four-day period of mourning to honor Simitis, a pivotal figure in the nation’s political evolution.
A founding member of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), Simitis took over the party’s leadership from its founder, Andreas Papandreou, and served as Greece’s prime minister from 1996 to 2004.
In his tribute, current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Simitis as a “worthy and noble political opponent,” recognizing his instrumental role in Greece’s adoption of the euro and Cyprus’s inclusion in the European Union.
Simitis was deeply committed to reforming Greece, focusing on economic stability, privatization, and modernization. His tenure saw Greece transition to the euro in 2001, a milestone achievement in the country’s history.
Reflecting his vision for progress, he famously stated, “Modernisation has no expiry date—it is an ongoing process based on the values of democracy, justice, and the constant expansion of the individual’s potential.”
Born in Piraeus, Simitis pursued studies in law and economics in Germany and England, where he met his wife, Daphne.
The couple had two daughters, Fiona and Marilena.
In his statement, Mitsotakis extended heartfelt condolences to Simitis’s family, emphasizing that his contributions continue to influence Greece’s development and will endure in the nation’s history.
