Grief has swept through the Greek political world following the news of the death of Giannis Varvitsiotis, one of the most significant political figures in the country’s modern political history and a historic senior member of New Democracy. Government members paid tribute to his contributions, his political integrity, and his principles and values. The statements below reflect the atmosphere of respect and appreciation that accompanied the news of his passing.
Read more: Giannis Varvitsiotis passes away at 93, on his birthday
Kostis Hatzidakis on the death of Giannis Varvitsiotis: “Farewell, President”
In his statement, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis wrote: “Giannis Varvitsiotis was one of the pillars of our political family. A figure of authority, integrity, gravitas, and enduring presence. He was always enormously popular among New Democracy voters and held in high regard by all of the party’s leaders, first and foremost Konstantinos Karamanlis.
For three years, from 2004 to 2007, we served together in the European Parliament, where Giannis Varvitsiotis led our parliamentary group. He always treated me with warmth and trust, and we kept in touch right up until his final years.
My sincere condolences to Miltiades, Thomas, Eleni, and Konstantinos. Farewell, President!”
Antonis Samaras: “A statesman of noble character, moderate, principled, and values-driven”
In his post marking the death of Giannis Varvitsiotis, Antonis Samaras wrote: “Giannis Varvitsiotis was a statesman of noble character — moderate, principled, and values-driven, with decades of outstanding service to our political movement. A deeply cultured man with a special connection to Greek civilization, he loved Greece profoundly, as well as his home region of Laconia. My sincere condolences to his family.”
Pavlos Marinakis: “From today, New Democracy — and Greece itself — is poorer”
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated: “Ioannis Varvitsiotis was one of the timeless pillars of New Democracy — a politician who served his country and his political movement with consistency, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
From today, New Democracy — and Greece itself — is poorer.
My sincere condolences to Miltiades, Thomas, Eleni, Konstantinos, and all of his loved ones.
May his memory be eternal.”
Dimitris Markopoulos: “He is an inspiration to all”
Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Dimitris Markopoulos stated: “Greece, and our political movement, bid farewell to a great man today. A politician who left his mark on our modern parliamentary democracy and who fought for a Greece rooted in Europe — a Greece with a future. Ioannis Varvitsiotis, through his multifaceted work and the deep impression he made, is an inspiration to all. May his memory be eternal. My condolences to his loved ones.”
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: “With authority, gravitas, and moderation, he earned the respect of his political peers and the trust of the public”
“Giannis Varvitsiotis was a historic political figure of the post-junta era and one of the most important pillars of New Democracy. A native of Laconia, he served public life with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility, leaving a lasting mark on both our political movement and the country as a whole.
With authority, gravitas, and moderation, he earned the respect of his political peers and the trust of the public.
My sincere condolences to Thomas, Miltiades, Eleni, and Konstantinos, as well as all of his loved ones.
Farewell,” said Minister of National Economy and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis in his statement.
