Dionysis Savvopoulos Funeral: Empty Seats and Political Absences Draw Criticism

A large crowd of political and artistic figures gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens on Saturday, October 25, 2025, to bid farewell to renowned Greek composer and singer Dionysis Savvopoulos. Despite the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who delivered a eulogy, and several government officials including Nikos Dendias, Adonis Georgiadis, Giorgos Gerapetritis, Lina Mendoni, and Niki Kerameus, the near-total absence of opposition party leaders sparked criticism. Only Zoe Konstantopoulou, leader of Plefsi Eleftherias, attended from the main opposition parties. PASOK was represented by figures such as Costas Tsoukalas, Anna Diamantopoulou, and Konstantinos Laliotis, along with Athens Mayor Haris Doukas and Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias. Others present included Stefanos Tzoumakas, Maria Damanaki, and Mimis Androulakis. A widely shared photo on social media showed empty front-row seats, drawing negative reactions over what was seen as a disrespectful stance toward the legendary musician, who passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind deep sorrow among family, friends, and collaborators.