Katerina Sakellaropoulou: Costas Simitis left his deep imprint on Metapolitization

In a climate of deep emotion the President of the Republic, said goodbye to him speaking of a man who defended himself with “consistency and conviction, passion and reason, words and actions, throughout his life, democracy and its principles”. The President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, noted: “We salute today with sorrow and honor a great personality of our modern history. Costas Simitis defended, with consistency and conviction, passion and logic, words and actions, throughout his life, democracy and principles. Fighter against dictatorship, distinguished academic teacher, man of ideas and practical speech, left his deep imprint in Metapolitism with his own, separate and timeless, political example.” CORVERSE “With the main reference to European social democracy and the current of modernisation, Kostas Simitis introduced in our political consciousness and culture a new method and perception of governance. With emphasis on rationalism, programming, commitment to high goals and moral duty, low-tight, daily and systematic work” he continued. “Long from popular, inexpensive rhetoric and populistic facilities. On a moderate and measured and moral democratic basis. Its modernisation has not only been a political and topical programme, but also a permanent institutional and social exercise, a constant and open reform challenge to date. He set the bar high and boldly and served the vision of a strong and equal Greece within Europe. Costas Simitis’ eight-year term in the prime ministership brought significant achievements to the State of Law and society, major infrastructure projects and investments. It was accompanied by top 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 go beyond the occasion and shine as national achievements in our long history,” he added. In conclusion Katerina Sakellaropoulou referred to the man Kostas Simitis: “The public presence of Kostas Simitis was followed by unity with his private life. He was mild, simple and self-sufficient, with love for culture, books and arts, devoted and giving to his wife Daphne and his daughters, Marilena and Fiona, loyal and supportive to his friends and associates. Their touching, unmediated statements and testimonies, these days, show how much he will be missing, but also that his example will remain alive, as a deposit, for themselves and for our place.”