The passing of former socialist prime minister Costas Simitis has sparked tributes from all corners, recognizing his pivotal role in leading Greece into the eurozone and preparing for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Simitis, who passed away at 88, received accolades from both allies and adversaries for his leadership during significant national transformations.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his sorrow and admiration for Simitis, acknowledging him as a noble political rival who guided Greece through crucial milestones.
Born into a leftist family, Simitis actively opposed the military regime in the 1960s before co-founding Pasok with Andreas Papandreou. He later assumed leadership of the party after Papandreou’s resignation due to health issues.
During his tenure as prime minister from 1996 to 2004, Simitis prioritized modernization and pro-European policies to align Greece with Western standards. His efforts included economic reforms to meet eurozone criteria and successfully hosting the Olympics to boost Greece’s global standing.
Former European commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos praised Simitis for his dedication to public service and transformative policies that impacted citizens’ lives positively.
2025-01-05 13:05:23
Original from www.theguardian.com