Ex-Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis Is Dead

Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, widely regarded as a modernizer in the country’s political arena, died on Sunday at the age of 88.

While announcing his death, the Greek government declared four days of mourning for Simitis.

Simitis, one of the founding members of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), left an indelible mark on the country’s political life.

He succeeded PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou as party leader and served as Greece’s prime minister from 1996 to 2004.

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In a statement, current Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed sadness at Simitis’ passing and respect for a “worthy and noble political opponent” who accompanied Greece through significant national milestones, including its accession to the eurozone and Cyprus’ entry into the European Union.

Mitsotakis described Simitis as a personality who, without a doubt, left a lasting imprint on the country’s development over the past few decades.

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He noted that Simitis aimed to modernize Greece’s economy and society through privatization and fiscal stability, efforts that culminated in the country’s adoption of the euro in 2001.