President Katerina Sakellaropoulou touches the coffin of late former prime minister Costas Simitis during his state funeral at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens on Thursday.
It was a quiet yet deeply symbolic ceremony, reflecting the understated style that defined his political and personal life. The event eschewed the dramatics often seen in public farewells. Instead, it was marked by institutional gravity, genuine respect, and sincere emotion from attendees across the political spectrum. Simitis’ widow, Daphne, and their daughters set the tone for the dignified proceedings. Attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and a wide range of dignitaries, the ceremony showcased gratitude for Simitis’ contributions, particularly his reformist legacy during Greece’s pre-crisis era. As Simitis was laid to rest near Andreas Papandreou, a symbolic convergence of political legacies emerged – a reminder of Greece’s transformation and the eras they shaped. [Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters]
Source: Ekathimerini.com
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