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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The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
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