Greece has declared four days of national mourning for former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who passed away unexpectedly on January 5 at the age of 88. Flags are flying at half-mast across government buildings and monuments, as the nation bids farewell to a leader whose legacy shaped modern Greece.
State Honors and Funeral Arrangements
The government announced that Costas Simitis’s funeral will be held at public expense, with honors befitting a sitting prime minister. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, January 9, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, followed by burial at Athens’ First Cemetery.
Sudden Passing
Simitis passed away while at his summer home in Agioi Theodoroi. He was rushed to Corinth Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead at 8:10 a.m. Dr. Sotiris Papadimitriou, a physician at the hospital, stated, “We performed CPR for about 30 minutes, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.”
Reports suggest his health had deteriorated following the recent loss of his brother, Spyros, with whom he shared a close bond. Despite appearing in good spirits during a visit to a friend’s house two days earlier, his passing was unforeseen.
Political Legacy
Costas Simitis left an indelible mark on Greek politics, credited with pivotal achievements such as Greece’s entry into the Eurozone and Cyprus’s accession to the European Union.
Leadership Milestones
- Succession to Andreas Papandreou (1996): Simitis assumed leadership of PASOK and the premiership, succeeding Andreas Papandreou. He led the party to victory in subsequent elections and stepped down as party leader in 2004, concluding his tenure as prime minister on March 7, 2004.
- Imia Crisis (1996): One of his first challenges as prime minister was resolving the Imia crisis, a tense episode in Greek-Turkish relations. His acknowledgment of U.S. assistance during this period sparked political controversy.
- Eurozone Membership (2001): Under his leadership, Greece adopted the Euro, joining the monetary union in a landmark moment for the nation.
- Cyprus’s EU Accession (2004): Simitis championed Cyprus’s path to EU membership, describing it as a “pinnacle of national strategy.”
Vision for Greece
Simitis was known for his modernization agenda, advocating for economic reform and infrastructure development. His role in securing the 2004 Athens Olympics highlighted his commitment to elevating Greece’s international standing.
Tributes from Political Figures
Political leaders from across the spectrum paid tribute to Simitis. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou described him as “one of the most significant figures in modern Greek history,” while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized his contributions to Greece’s national progress.
Former Prime Ministers, including George Papandreou and Kostas Karamanlis, highlighted Simitis’s dedication, vision, and professionalism. Opposition leaders like Alexis Tsipras and Nikos Androulakis also recognized his substantial impact, despite ideological differences.
International Recognition
World leaders and international media reflected on Simitis’s contributions. The French news agency AFP remembered him as a “modernizer” of Greek politics. European headlines recalled his efforts in integrating Greece into the Eurozone and fostering closer ties with the EU.
A Complex Legacy
Simitis’s tenure was marked by transformative achievements, yet it also faced scrutiny, including allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. Despite these controversies, his vision for a modern and European Greece remains a cornerstone of his legacy.
Costas Simitis is remembered as a statesman who guided Greece through defining moments, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s trajectory.
