Greece bade farewell to former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, a reformist leader who steered the country into the eurozone in 2001. Celebrated for his modernisation efforts, his legacy is also marked by controversy over policies linked to Greece’s later debt crisis.
Thousands gathered in Athens on Thursday to honor former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who died at 88. A reformist leader of the PASOK socialist party (1996–2004), Simitis was celebrated for leading Greece into the eurozone in 2001, reducing public debt, modernizing infrastructure, and securing the 2004 Athens Olympics. He also supported Cyprus' EU membership in 2004.
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou praised his vision for a stronger Greece in Europe during a eulogy at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Crowds followed his hearse to a city cemetery after four days of national mourning.
However, Simitis’ legacy is debated. Critics link his policies to the roots of Greece’s 2009 debt crisis, which led to international bailouts and austerity measures. While admired for modernization, his tenure remains controversial in Greece’s history.
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