Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has passed away at the age of 88. He was found unconscious at his residence in Agioi Theodoroi and was transported to Corinth hospital, where doctors could not revive him.
Simitis’ funeral will take place on 9 January at the Metropolis of Athens, conducted with the honours of a serving Prime Minister. The ceremony will be held at public expense, recognizing his pivotal contributions to Greece. The Greek government has declared a four-day period of national mourning in his memory.
A Leader of Economic Reform and European Integration
Born on 23 June 1936, Simitis played a crucial role in Greece’s post-Junta era as an academic and politician. As leader of PASOK from 1996 to 2004 and Prime Minister during the same period, he championed Greece’s economic reform and European integration.
Simitis led Greece into the eurozone and played a critical role in Cyprus’ accession to the EU. Representing PASOK’s modernist wing, he implemented economic policies that stabilised Greece’s economy, including austerity measures to reduce inflation and debt. He pursued privatisation, moderated foreign policy, and advocated for resolving issues with Turkey, focusing on the Cyprus conflict.
His leadership marked Greece’s shift towards a centrist Europeanist approach, aligning the country with global economic trends and EU policies.
Tributes from Leaders Across Greece and Europe
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described Simitis as a “visionary politician” whose legacy shaped Greek and European politics. Nikos Androulakis, PASOK president, extended condolences to Simitis’ widow, Daphne Simitis.
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou recognised Simitis as one of modern Greece’s most significant political figures, praising his impact on national and European politics. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other political leaders also honoured Simitis for his lifelong dedication to Greece’s progress.