Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis Passes Away at 88

Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis has died at 88, leaving a legacy marked by Greece’s transition to the euro and the 2004 Olympic Games. His leadership, characterized by a blend of capitalism and pragmatism, has had lasting implications on Greece's economy.

Costas Simitis, the former Prime Minister of Greece, passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in a hospital in Corinth, as confirmed by Grigoris Karpouzis, the hospital's director. The cause of death has not been disclosed. In honor of his contributions, the Greek government has declared four days of national mourning, and he will be granted a state burial.

Recognized as a low-key yet popular leader, Simitis held a pragmatic approach towards capitalism and maintained stronger ties with the United States compared to his predecessors. His tenure included two successive terms as Prime Minister, which represent the longest continuous premiership in modern Greek history. While he served longer than his immediate predecessor, Andreas Papandreou, the latter held the office across three separate terms.

Simitis’s leadership was pivotal as Greece embraced the euro in 2001 and prepared for the Summer Olympics hosted in Athens in 2004—an event that symbolized a revival of national pride and confidence among Greeks. However, these achievements also laid the groundwork for the subsequent debt crisis, leading to increased scrutiny of Greece’s role in the European Union.

The Olympics, occurring shortly after Simitis stepped down from his position in March 2004, were not only a celebration of sporting heritage but also a landmark homecoming for a nation with deep historical roots in the Games, tracing back to their origins in 776 B.C. However, both the entry into the eurozone and the Olympic preparations were soon overshadowed by economic challenges, marking a complex legacy for Simitis in Greek politics.