Costas Simitis, who headed Greece’s 1996-2004 socialist government as prime minister, has died at age 88.
Simitis assumed the PASOK leadership in 1996, succeeding Andreas Papandreou as both party leader and prime minister. Known for championing economic reform and European integration, he was instrumental in Greece’s adoption of the euro and its alignment with European Union policies.
A founding member of PASOK after the fall of the military junta in 1974, Simitis held several ministerial posts before becoming prime minister. His tenure was marked by privatizations, fiscal stability and moderate foreign policies aimed at modernizing Greece’s economy and society.
Simitis secured reelection in the 2000 general election, leaving a legacy of modernization and deeper engagement with Europe.
The Greek government has declared four days of national mourning following the death of former prime minister Costas Simitis, with a state funeral to honor his legacy.
Simitis, who served as prime minister and PASOK leader from 1996 to 2004, is credited with guiding Greece into the Eurozone and shaping the country’s modern political and economic landscape.
Simitis passed away early Sunday at his vacation home in Agioi Theodoroi, Peloponnese, at the age of 88. He was taken to a hospital unresponsive and was pronounced dead shortly after unsuccessful efforts to revive him.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Simitis as “a noble political opponent” and “a catalyst in public life,” emphasizing his role in Greece’s modernization and European integration.
“He believed modernization was a continuous process rooted in democracy, justice and opportunity,” Mitsotakis said, adding, “His legacy endures in Greece’s progress.”
Kathimerini