Historic Greek politician Vasso Papandreou dies, aged 80

Papandreou has served as a minister in the governments of Andreas Papandreou and Kostas Simitis and was also the first Greek European Commissioner.

Vasso Papandreou was born in Valimitika, Aigio, on December 9, 1944. She studied Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business (then ASOEE), and continued her studies in the United Kingdom, where she obtained a Master's degree from the University of London and a PhD from the University of Reading. She later taught at Oxford University.

She served as President of EOMMEX (1981-1985), Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology (1985-1986), Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology (1986-1987), Deputy Minister of Commerce responsible for Greek Presidency issues in the European Community (1988-1989), European Commissioner for Employment, Labour Relations and Social Affairs, Human Resources, Education and Training, and Gender Equality (1989-1993), Minister of Development (1996-1999), Minister of Interior, Public Administration, and Decentralisation (1999-2001), and Minister for the Environment, Spatial Planning, and Public Works (2001-2004) in PASOK governments.

PM Mitsotakis expresses condolences on the passing of Vasso Papandreou

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a social media post, commented on the passing of Vasso Papandreou.

"I was saddened to learn of the loss of Vasso Papandreou. Although we found ourselves on opposing sides, I must acknowledge that she was a strong personality. She held many governmental and parliamentary positions, leaving her mark on the European political scene as our country’s Commissioner. She will be remembered with the dedication of her friends and the respect of her opponents," Mitsotakis stated, expressing his condolences to her family.

AMNA