Sun Jan 05 16:17:25 UTC 2025: ## Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis Dies at 88

**Athens, Greece –** Costas Simitis, the former Prime Minister of Greece and a key figure in the country’s adoption of the euro, passed away at the age of 88 on January 5th, 2025. State television ERT reported that Mr. Simitis was found unconscious at his holiday home and later died in a Corinth hospital. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Mr. Simitis, a pragmatist and committed pro-European, served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2004. His premiership is largely remembered for Greece’s entry into the eurozone in 2001, the successful hosting of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and the expansion of the country’s infrastructure. He also played a significant role in Cyprus’s accession to the European Union in 2004.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praising Mr. Simitis as a “worthy and noble political opponent.” Former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos lauded his dedication to public service and his impactful policies. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides hailed him as an “outstanding leader.”

While celebrated for his accomplishments, Mr. Simitis also faced criticism, particularly regarding a debt swap transaction following the euro adoption. His tenure was ultimately marked by internal party opposition to pension reforms in 2001, leading to his resignation and subsequent withdrawal from active politics. He later warned of the impending financial crisis that ultimately saw Greece under the supervision of the IMF and EU.

Mr. Simitis, a co-founder of the Socialist PASOK party, held a complicated relationship with its founder, Andreas Papandreou. He served as Finance Minister under Papandreou, implementing austerity measures before eventually succeeding him as Prime Minister.

He is survived by his wife Daphne, two daughters, and a granddaughter. A four-day period of official mourning has been declared, and a state funeral is planned.

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