Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis dies at 89 – National mourning announced

According to Grigoris Karpouzis, director of Corinth Hospital, Simitis was taken to the hospital at 07:31 in an unconscious state. Medical staff attempted resuscitation, but his death was confirmed at 08:10.

Tributes from political leaders

Nikos Androulakis, leader of PASOK-Movement for Change, extended his condolences to Simitis’s wife, Daphne.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Simitis as a “worthy and noble political opponent”, highlighting his role in Greece’s accession to the Eurozone and Cyprus’s entry into the European Union.

“With sadness and respect, I bid farewell to Costas Simitis,” Mitsotakis said in a statement. “A personality who, undoubtedly, leaves his own imprint on the country’s development over the last decades.”

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Simitis’s legacy as a fighter against the dictatorship, a founding member of PASOK, and a driving force behind the modernization of Greece.

“Regardless of political differences, I believe that his legacy still resonates with Greece’s needs today,” Mitsotakis added, offering his condolences to Simitis’s wife, daughters, and loved ones.

SYRIZA also expressed its condolences through its spokesperson Giorgos Karameros, who acknowledged Simitis’s significant impact on Greek political history.

“With a deeply progressive foundation, he navigated both positive and challenging periods,” Karameros stated. “He supported his views until the end. We express our sincere condolences to his family and PASOK.”

National mourning

The Greek government has declared four days of national mourning to honour the legacy of Costas Simitis.

In recognition of his contributions to the country, the former prime minister’s funeral will be held at public expense.

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