At the age of 70, former SYRIZA MP for the Dodecanese Dimitris Gakis has returned to student life—enrolling in the Department of Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) after successfully passing the 2026 Panhellenic Examinations.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning
In a social media post, Gakis explained his decision to sit for the national exams. He applied through the special category for individuals with serious health conditions, qualifying under the law’s additional 5% admission quota. He emphasized that, given his high school graduation grade from 1975—and the fact that he did not compete for a spot within the general pool—he was confident his admission would not displace any other candidate.
An Inspiring Message
Gakis addressed people living with serious health conditions, urging them to set goals, persevere, and remain active participants in society. ‘Struggle, purpose, and effort are the best form of therapy,’ he wrote, underscoring that knowledge is a universal right—and the pursuit of it never ends.
In closing, he congratulated all young people admitted to higher education this year, wishing them a fulfilling university experience. To those who did not succeed this time, he sent a message of hope: ‘Don’t lose heart—life offers many opportunities to those who keep fighting for their dreams.’