In the picturesque Avdi square in Metaxourgeio, in the neighborhood where the great Greek poet and prose writer of the post-war generation, Antonis Samarakis, was born and raised, in the presence of PtD of Katerina Sakellaropoulou the unveiling ceremony of his bust took place in the afternoon.

The project was a donation by his wife Eleni Samarakis to the Municipality of Athens.

THE Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis in his greeting, he warmly thanked Mrs. Samarakis, the life partner of the great writer, who, as he said, perpetuates his memory and humanitarian values ​​with her actions.

He also congratulated the sculptor P. Tzanoulinos for his work that “decorates Avdis Square, reminds and honors the eternal work of Antonis Samarakis”. As he said characteristically: “This great man became the “voice of those who have no voice”. He raised freedom as an absolute and necessary ideal both in his writing and in his social work. The author’s legacy of faith and hope, of “it’s never too late,” of denial in the absurdity of division, is a timeless source of inspiration and a reference point for all. […] Today, in 2023, the thinking and attitude of A. Samarakis become a compass. In the age of uncertainty, of multiple crises and frustrations, of the collapse of ecumenical offices, the need of young people for spiritual leaders is obvious and imperative”.

The unveiling of the bust -among others- was attended by the Deputy Minister of Culture Nikolas Giatromanolakis, representing the Prime Minister, the MP of the New Democracy Fotini Pipili on behalf of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, the former Speaker of the Parliament Nikos Voutsis, the Deputy Minister of Education Angelos Syrigos, the First Vice-President of the Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, the ND MEP Eliza Vozeberg, the SYRIZA Member of Parliament Panagiotis Kouroublis, as well as deputy mayors of Athens, representatives of municipal factions and councilors. The event was also attended by Mrs. Dafni Simitis and Mrs. Georgia Samara.

Eleni Samaraki, in her statement, said: “It is a great honor, joy and emotion that Antonis is coming back to us, in Avdi Square, in the neighborhood where he grew up, in the cafes he always liked to frequent and of course the most important, among the young people flooding the square and he believed in and supported them so much. It has always belonged to young people who envision and fight for a better world. This great honor is addressed to all spiritual people who give quality and magic to our lives!”

The portrait of the Greek prose writer of the post-war generation was created in white Dionysos marble and is realistic in style. On the marble, the titles of the most important works of Samarakis are mentioned – engraved -.

Antonis Samarakis, who passed away 20 years ago, was distinguished for his great love for young people. In fact, it was his idea to create the Youth Parliament, which gave a “voice” to young men and women from all over the country. Wanting to honor him, students from the choir of the International Metropolitan School participated in today’s event with four songs set to music by Antonis Samarakis.