Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has died at the age of 88. He was found unconscious at his residence in Agioi Theodoroi and transported to Corinth hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Simitis’ funeral will be held on 9 January at the Metropolis of Athens with full state honours, reflecting his lasting contributions to Greece. The Greek government has declared a four-day period of national mourning in his memory.

Legacy of Leadership and European Integration

Born on 23 June 1936, Simitis was a prominent academic and political leader. He served as Greece’s Prime Minister from 1996 to 2004 and as leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK). Simitis played a pivotal role in Greece’s post-Junta political transformation and was instrumental in founding PASOK in 1974.

Elected PASOK President in 1996 after the death of Andreas Papandreou, Simitis championed economic reforms and closer integration with the European Union. His leadership marked Greece’s accession to the Economic and Monetary Union in 2001 and Cyprus’ EU membership in 2004.

Simitis implemented austerity measures to stabilize Greece’s economy and pursued a centrist, pro-European agenda. His foreign policy efforts focused on resolving disputes with Turkey and advancing regional stability, particularly regarding Cyprus.

Tributes from Leaders

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised Simitis as a “visionary Europeanist” with a legacy that shaped both Greek and European politics. Nikos Androulakis, PASOK President, offered condolences to Simitis’ widow, Daphne.

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou called Simitis one of Greece’s most influential modern political figures. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other leaders also paid tribute, highlighting his contributions to Greece’s growth and European integration.