Costas Simitis, the former prime minister of Greece—hailed as a modernizer who significantly shaped the nation's accession to the eurozone—has passed away at the age of 88. Simitis, who had co-founded the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party back in 1974, had been remembered as pragmatic, contrasting with the fiery populism of his predecessor, Andreas Papandreou.
Simitis died on January 7, 2024, at his summer residence located west of Athens and was pronounced dead after being taken unconscious to a hospital in Corinth. He is survived by his devoted wife, Daphne, two daughters, and a granddaughter. The Greek government has announced a four-day period of national mourning, with Simitis set to receive full state honors at his funeral taking place on January 9 at the Metropolis of Athens.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed heartfelt sorrow, stating, "I bid farewell to Costas Simitis with sadness and respect. He was a noble and worthy political opponent who guided Greece through some of its greatest national steps." The remarks reflect the respect and tribute paid across the political spectrum, showcasing Simitis’s significant role during transformative years for Greece.
Simitis's tenure as prime minister lasted from 1996 to 2004, during which he was credited with achieving pivotal milestones. Notably, he oversaw Greece’s entry to the Economic and Monetary Union, enabling the country to adopt the euro on January 1, 2001. This feat was considered by many as the hallmark of his achievements, amplifying his status as one of Greece’s most notable leaders.
During his term, Simitis also helped secure the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, managing extensive infrastructure projects, including the construction of new subway lines and the refurbishment of the capital. Dimitris Avramopoulos, the former European commissioner, lauded Simitis’s contributions, stating, "He served the country with devotion and sense of duty and promoted policies changing the lives of many citizens." Such sentiments highlight the earnest acknowledgment Simitis received for advancing Greece’s modernization.
Born on June 23, 1936, to politically active parents, Simitis was academically accomplished, studying law at the University of Marburg and picking up economics and politics at the London School of Economics. His early life was marked by resistance to Greece's military dictatorship from 1967 to 1974, during which he had to flee the country to avoid arrest. This historical backdrop fueled his determination for political reform and guided his later actions as prime minister.
After becoming prime minister following Papandreou's death, Simitis worked to instill stability and integrate Greece with the European Union. He cemented his position within PASOK and cultivated alliances aimed at modernizing the party's agenda. This shift not only facilitated Greece's eurozone entry but also aligned the country's policies with EU standards.
Beyond his economic contributions, Simitis’s foreign policy also aimed at resolving long-standing tensions with Turkey, particularly surrounding issues concerning Cyprus. He was instrumental not only during his time as prime minister but also as the finance minister when he introduced key austerity measures to help stabilize the economy during challenging times.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, described Simitis as “a deeply Europeanist and visionary politician whose legacy occupies a special place both in Greek and European politics.” Such accolades reflect his commitment to European integration and the impact he had during his administration.
Despite the successes attributed to his tenure, Simitis faced criticism particularly after leaving office when his administration's economic policies were called to question. His critics often pointed to the financial imbalances which later contributed to Greece's severe debt crisis post-2010. His departure from politics was marked by warnings about financial mismanagement leading to severe austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund.
After his resignation, Simitis dedicated efforts to defending his legacy, penning works outlining his perspectives on the financial crises and governance. His final political engagements included interactions with the newly emerged leaders of PASOK and continued commentary on the economic direction of Greece.
Simitis’s passing marks the loss of one of Greece’s most significant political figures whose ideology and policies left lasting impressions on the country's direction. His ability to forward reform aligned with European standards and his unwavering dedication to the evolution of Greece’s standing within the EU will continue to resonate within political circles and with citizens who experienced the tail end of his leadership.
The respect shown by leaders across the spectrum during this mourning period serves as a reminder of the importance of Simitis’s contributions, many of which helped shape modern Greece. His funeral will be not just a farewell but also a moment of reflection on his influential life and the path he paved for the country.