Greece Mourns Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis

ATHENS – Greece has declared four days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Sunday, January 5, 2025. A state funeral will be held to honor his legacy. Simitis, who led the PASOK party and served as prime minister from 1996 to 2004, was 88 years old.

He is remembered for leading Greece into the Eurozone and significantly shaping the nation's modern political and economic landscape. Simitis died at his vacation home in Agioi Theodoroi, Peloponnese. He was transported to a hospital after being found unresponsive but could not be revived.

Current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered a heartfelt tribute, praising Simitis as a 'noble political opponent' and 'a catalyst of public life.' Mitsotakis emphasized Simitis's key role not only in Greece's modernization and integration with Europe but specifically in the nation's adoption of the euro and Cyprus's accession to the European Union.

He quoted Simitis's belief that "'Modernism has no expiration date…It's an ongoing process, based on the values of Democracy, justice and the permanent expansion of the individual's potential.'" Mitsotakis further highlighted Simitis's dedication to 'the demands of the homeland,' suggesting a shared national purpose that transcended their political differences. He concluded by offering condolences to Simitis's family.