Former PASOK Minister Vasso Papandreou passes away at 80
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Vasso Papandreou, a long-standing member of PASOK and a former minister in the governments of Andreas Papandreou and Kostas Simitis, passed away on Thursday after a long illness, at the age of 80.
Papandreou, who had been a member of PASOK since its founding in 1974, played a pivotal role in the party’s history. Notably, her home was the venue for the famous ‘Dinner of Four,’, where key figures including herself, Theodoros Pangalos, Paraskevas Avgerinos, and Kostas Simitis gathered to support Simitis as the successor to Andreas Papandreou.
A distinguished economist, Vasso Papandreou was also the first Greek woman to serve as a European Commissioner. Born on December 9, 1944, in Valimitika, Aigio, she studied Economics in Athens and later pursued postgraduate studies at the University of London and a PhD at the University of Reading. She also taught at Oxford University.
Throughout her career, she held numerous governmental roles, including Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology (1985-1986), Deputy Minister of Commerce (1988-1989), and European Commissioner for Employment, Labor Relations, Social Affairs, Human Resources, Education, and Gender Equality (1989-1993).
Additionally, she served as Greece’s Minister of Development (1996-1999), Minister of Interior and Public Administration (1999-2001), and Minister of Public Works and Environment (2001-2004) in PASOK-led governments.
The President of the Hellenic Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Vasso Papandreou, recognising her decades of service as a member of parliament and minister.
“On behalf of the Hellenic Parliament and personally, I extend my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Vasso Papandreou, a historic figure in PASOK, a steadfast parliamentarian, and a minister for many years. As a member of parliament from 1985 to 1989 and from 1993 to 2012, she tirelessly advocated for her political beliefs, particularly regarding the modernisation of Greece. Her dynamic presence was always felt,” Tasoulas said, adding:
“In her governmental roles, she championed the active participation of women in politics, legislating a requirement that 33 per cent of candidates in local and regional elections be women. She was also responsible for establishing Citizen Service Centers (KEP), protecting workers’ rights, advancing gender equality, and advocating for individuals with special needs.
She was the first Greek woman to serve as a European Commissioner from 1989 to 1993, promoting the European Social Charter and Social Dialogue. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
In her memory, the Greek Parliament observed a minute of silence.
The original article: NEOS KOSMOS .
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