“We say goodbye today with sadness and honor to a great personality of our modern history” emphasized the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou during her funeral speech, at the funeral procession of former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, which was held in the Holy Metropolis of Athens.

Ms. Sakellaropoulou underlined that “Kostas Simitis defended, with consistency and conviction, passion and logic, words and deeds, throughout his life, democracy and its principles. Anti-dictatorship fighter, distinguished academic teacher, man of ideas and practical speech, he left his deep imprint on Post-colonization with his own, distinct and timeless, political example».

Speaking about his work, he noted that “with his main reference being European social democracy and the current of modernization, Kostas Simitis introduced into our political consciousness and culture a new method and perception of governance. With an emphasis on rationality, planning, commitment to high goals and the ethics of duty, low-key, daily and systematic work. Away from popular, inexpensive rhetoric and populist conveniences. With a moderate and measured speech and a democratic ethos”.

At the same time, he stated that “its modernization was not only a political and current program, but also a permanent institutional and social exercise, a continuous and open reform challenge to this day. He boldly set the bar high and served the vision of a strong and equal Greece within Europe. The eight-year tenure of Kostas Simitis as Prime Minister brought important conquests to the Rule of Law and society, great infrastructure projects and investments. It was accompanied by great moments, which strengthened the country’s position, broadened our horizons and defined our way of life. The accession to the Eurozone and the entry of Cyprus into the European Union transcend the moment and shine as national achievements in our long historical time».

Concluding her funeral speech, the President of the Republic asserted: “The public presence of Kostas Simitis was in continuity and unity with his private life. He was meek, modest and self-sufficient, with a love for culture, books and the arts, devoted and giving to his wife Daphne and daughters, Marilena and Fiona, loyal and supportive to his friends and associates.” As he said, “Their touching, unmediated statements and testimonies, these days, demonstrate how much he will be missed, but also that his example will remain alive, as a legacy, for them and for our country».