The Prime Minister of Greece, Vardis Vardinoyannis, who has passed away at the age of 91, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has issued a statement expressing his sadness at the death of Vardinoyannis.

“He was an anti-dictatorial fighter and a firm believer in moderation, regardless of his dominant role in the Greek, as well as the international economy. A role that also made him seem unapproachable. While in reality he was a simple man. Who stayed in love with his wife and adored his children and Crete,” the prime minister said.

“His words about the debt of every powerful actor will always resonate as well: “Above everything and everyone, we must have the country. Condolences to his family. My thoughts are with her,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis concludes in his statement.

Full statement by Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Vardis Vardinoyannis

It is with sadness that I bid farewell to Vardis Vardinoyannis. The patriarch of a family whose actions have shaped the economic and social reality of the country throughout the last decades. And the man who hid a lot behind his always serious look: from his entrepreneurial daring and dynamism in economic competitions, to his countless charitable initiatives, many of which he wanted to remain unknown.

Our family connections, as well as Vardis’ interest in public life, allowed me to get to know him intimately. He was, after all, an anti-dictatorial fighter and a firm believer in moderation, regardless of his dominant role in the Greek, as well as the international economy. A role that also made him seem unapproachable. While in reality he was a simple man. Who stayed in love with his wife and adored his children and Crete.

He would, now, meet his beloved Marianna, confident that his visions would be fulfilled by his worthy heirs. He leaves a great example of a successful Greek who believed in team effort: ‘Look out for and care for your neighbour,’ he had advised his colleagues in one of his last meetings. While his words about the duty of every strong player will always resonate: “Above everything and everyone, we must have the country.”

Condolences to his family. My thoughts are with them.