ATHENS, Greece — Vasso Papandreou, a pioneering figure in Greek politics and a prominent advocate for women’s representation, has passed away at her residence in an Athens suburb at the age of 79.
Although the exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, it is known that she had struggled with health issues for several years.
Her funeral took place on Saturday near Aegio, close to her birthplace in southern Greece, drawing attendance from notable dignitaries including former Socialist Prime Minister Costas Simitis and other seasoned politicians.
Politicians from various political spectrums expressed their condolences and honors following her death on Thursday, acknowledging the significant impact she had on Greek society and her unwavering commitment to social equality.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, representing the conservative party, remarked on Papandreou’s formidable personality, stating, “Even though we found ourselves on opposite sides, I must admit she was a strong personality… she earned the devotion of her friends and the respect of her opponents.”
Papandreou was among the founding members of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement in 1974. Although she was not related to the party’s founder, Andreas Papandreou, they shared a brief romantic relationship in the mid-1970s, which prompted her to pursue further studies in the U.K.
Between 1996 and 2004, she held various ministerial roles in the governments led by Costas Simitis, including positions as Minister of Economic Development, Interior Minister, and Minister for the Environment, Physical Planning, and Public Works.
Breaking new ground in her role as Greece’s first female European Commissioner from 1989 to 1992, she managed employment, industrial relations, and social affairs under Jacques Delors’ second commission and was highly regarded for her strong advocacy of democratic rights.
A staunch supporter of women’s representation in government, Papandreou was instrumental in the introduction of legislation that mandated a minimum of 33% female representation in candidate lists, a transformative step that began with municipal elections in 2002, fostering a more balanced gender dynamic in Greek politics.
Throughout her extensive career, she was a fervent proponent of workers’ rights, education equality, and resources for mothers and individuals with special needs.
Papandreou was elected to Parliament in six consecutive elections between 1993 and 2009. During her initial campaign, coinciding with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement’s return to power, she was unexpectedly repositioned from the central Athens electoral district to a larger constituency in Athens B, where she remarkably garnered 256,831 preference votes. This record number remains notable, with many of these votes coming from female PASOK members who intended to voice their discontent towards the party’s leadership.
In late 1994, along with three other legislators, including Simitis, she initiated the “Group of Four,” which aimed to encourage the ailing party leader Andreas Papandreou to step down. Strategy meetings were held at her home to discuss their goals. This effort culminated in Andreas Papandreou stepping down in 1996 after his health deteriorated significantly, leading to Simitis taking over as Prime Minister and party leader.
Born on December 9, 1944, Papandreou pursued economics studies in Athens before obtaining her Ph.D. from the University of Reading in the U.K. She began her career as an academic before entering politics, coinciding with Greece’s transition from a seven-year military dictatorship.
Although the exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, it is known that she had struggled with health issues for several years.
Her funeral took place on Saturday near Aegio, close to her birthplace in southern Greece, drawing attendance from notable dignitaries including former Socialist Prime Minister Costas Simitis and other seasoned politicians.
Politicians from various political spectrums expressed their condolences and honors following her death on Thursday, acknowledging the significant impact she had on Greek society and her unwavering commitment to social equality.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, representing the conservative party, remarked on Papandreou’s formidable personality, stating, “Even though we found ourselves on opposite sides, I must admit she was a strong personality… she earned the devotion of her friends and the respect of her opponents.”
Papandreou was among the founding members of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement in 1974. Although she was not related to the party’s founder, Andreas Papandreou, they shared a brief romantic relationship in the mid-1970s, which prompted her to pursue further studies in the U.K.
Between 1996 and 2004, she held various ministerial roles in the governments led by Costas Simitis, including positions as Minister of Economic Development, Interior Minister, and Minister for the Environment, Physical Planning, and Public Works.
Breaking new ground in her role as Greece’s first female European Commissioner from 1989 to 1992, she managed employment, industrial relations, and social affairs under Jacques Delors’ second commission and was highly regarded for her strong advocacy of democratic rights.
A staunch supporter of women’s representation in government, Papandreou was instrumental in the introduction of legislation that mandated a minimum of 33% female representation in candidate lists, a transformative step that began with municipal elections in 2002, fostering a more balanced gender dynamic in Greek politics.
Throughout her extensive career, she was a fervent proponent of workers’ rights, education equality, and resources for mothers and individuals with special needs.
Papandreou was elected to Parliament in six consecutive elections between 1993 and 2009. During her initial campaign, coinciding with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement’s return to power, she was unexpectedly repositioned from the central Athens electoral district to a larger constituency in Athens B, where she remarkably garnered 256,831 preference votes. This record number remains notable, with many of these votes coming from female PASOK members who intended to voice their discontent towards the party’s leadership.
In late 1994, along with three other legislators, including Simitis, she initiated the “Group of Four,” which aimed to encourage the ailing party leader Andreas Papandreou to step down. Strategy meetings were held at her home to discuss their goals. This effort culminated in Andreas Papandreou stepping down in 1996 after his health deteriorated significantly, leading to Simitis taking over as Prime Minister and party leader.
Born on December 9, 1944, Papandreou pursued economics studies in Athens before obtaining her Ph.D. from the University of Reading in the U.K. She began her career as an academic before entering politics, coinciding with Greece’s transition from a seven-year military dictatorship.