Family, friends, and PASOK members who worked alongside her throughout the years gathered on Saturday afternoon to say their final goodbye to Vasso Papandreou, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 80.
The funeral took place at the Church of Saint Basil in Valimitika, Aigio, her hometown.
Notable attendees included:
Kostas Simitis, Kostas Laliotis, Petros Efthymiou, Christos Protopapas, Pavlos Geroulanos, Anna Diamantopoulou, Stefanos Tzoumakas, Milena Apostolaki, Christos Papoutsis, Vangelis Argyris, Dimitris Karydis, Panagiotis Louskos, Katerina Batzeli, Dimitris Reppas, Tasos Giannitsis, and Filippos Sachinidis.
Nikos Androulakis, the leader of PASOK, delivered the eulogy during the funeral service.
Nikos Androulakis’ Eulogy:
“One day after the historic anniversary of October 18, 1981—43 years after the first government of the PASOK ‘Change’ led by Andreas Papandreou—we say farewell today in her birthplace to our beloved Vasso Papandreou.
We bid farewell with deep respect to the co-founder of PASOK, a remarkable woman who left her mark during the post-dictatorship years, having a decisive influence during important moments for both the Movement and the country’s political life.
Vasso was our ‘Iron Lady’:
With sensitivity and faith in a more humane and just society. A strong, dynamic, and fair woman in politics, who walked proudly throughout her life without asking for anything in return for her great contributions and struggles for democracy and social change.
Measured in words, she spoke through her actions.
She passed away quietly and discreetly, just as she had proudly withdrawn from politics.
From an early age, she showed a fighting spirit, combining intellectual sharpness with social sensitivity.
Despite lacking financial means, she excelled academically, first in Greece and then in the United Kingdom.
It was there that she met Andreas [Papandreou] and decided to engage actively in politics.
From 1985, when she was first elected to parliament and joined the government, she embarked on an impressive career of service and contribution that remains indelible to this day.
A key moment in her journey was in 1989 when Andreas Papandreou appointed her as Greece’s representative to the European Commission. She became the first female Commissioner in the history of the European Union, responsible for Employment, Labor Relations, Social Affairs, Human Resources, Education, Training, Public Health, and Gender Equality.
Jacques Delors used to say, ‘No one falls in love with a single market.’ In the effort for a progressive Europe of the people, Vasso Papandreou played a pivotal role.
With the collaboration of the socialist Delors, then President of the European Commission, she promoted dozens of actions and policies that improved living and working conditions in all member states.
In Europe, she unwaveringly defended the principles and values of democratic socialism against the conservative and neoliberal forces of the time.
Her clashes with Margaret Thatcher highlighted her as the ‘Iron Lady’ of the progressives and as a ‘Caryatid of democracy,’ as she was described by the international press.
Returning to Greece in 1993, her popularity broke every record in Athens’ Second Constituency.
She implemented groundbreaking social policies, such as the Citizen Service Centers (KEP), the ‘Help at Home’ program, arts education, and creative activities.
Many major public works in the country bear her mark, along with iconic social and political reforms, such as legislating gender quotas in public offices.
As Minister of Development, she shaped policies that contributed to the reconstruction of the country’s productive capacity. As Minister of Environment and Public Works, she successfully accelerated and completed major projects and was instrumental in preparing for the Olympic Games.
Vasso Papandreou fought with knowledge and vision for the genuine modernization of the country and Greece’s entry into the core of Europe.
Even during the most difficult times, she acted decisively and responsibly. Her views were always a reference point.
Politicians of Vasso Papandreou’s caliber are rare.
Her legacy is significant in the history of our country and PASOK.
She will always hold a special place in our hearts.
My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
