The family, friends, executives of PASOK, the political world and a large number of people gathered in the Metropolis of Athens for the last "farewell" to the former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.
"Fighter of Democracy, Costas Simitis now belongs to the history that will weigh his eventful journey", said, among others, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his funeral speech, while also speaking about the three bequests of Costas Simitis. "His unwavering belief in the European orientation. The way of governing with the famous notebook as the protagonist, the notes where the declarations that were put into practice were methodically recorded. Example of how much importance a leader should place on efficiency. The third attribute was that of a politician who, in addition to his political duties, found time to read and watch the theater. He truly loved the role of husband and father."
For her part, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, underlined that Costas Simitis defended, with consistency and conviction, passion and logic, words and deeds, throughout his life, democracy and its principles. "Away from popular, inexpensive rhetoric and populist conveniences. With a moderate and measured speech and a democratic ethos. 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 term 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" he added.
"The political world is becoming poorer, as it has lost a great personality of international scope, who enriched the public debate creatively and with good reason" said the President of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis in his funeral speech and added that Kostas Simitis was the most suitable leader, in a time of rapid changes and enormous challenges: "European integration had entered an irreversible course, while intensifying globalization required an elaborate plan of adaptation from nation-states so that their societies would not sink into decline.
The politician, who said little but planned and did a lot, joined hands with the Greek people on the road to convergence with the most developed economies of Europe. The achievements of his government are milestones in the history of the country. The entry of Greece into the euro and the accession of Cyprus to the European Union with the Cyprus issue unresolved. I really want you to consider the consequences that Hellenism would have faced from the Turkish aspirations to partition the island, if this visionary leader had not planned this great national success", concluded Mr. Androulakis
The funeral of Costas Simitis was attended by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis and the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Dimitriou.
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