The city bid its final farewell to Yiannis Boutaris, who left a lasting mark as both mayor of Thessaloniki and as a prominent business figure in Greece.

Crowds gathered in the atrium of the town hall to pay their respects. Amid applause, the civil funeral was completed, and by his wishes, his body will be cremated.

A Life That Left a Mark

“His bold initiatives put Thessaloniki on the international map. He was beloved by his colleagues—a fatherly figure known as ‘Kyrios Yiannis,’ always inspiring others through his example,” said President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in her eulogy, visibly moved as she wished him a peaceful journey.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described him as “a visionary,” sending him a final goodbye as a friend and, as he put it, “as an admirer.” Despite their differences, they found common ground in dialogue. Mitsotakis recalled that Boutaris “knew how to challenge better than anyone,” and integrated tradition with modern progress. He hailed from a Vlach heritage, yet embodied both local and European identities, making Yiannakochori a “capital of genuine synthesis” and inspiring the younger generation.

A Pioneer for Thessaloniki

Stelios Angeloudis, the current mayor of Thessaloniki, said, “This exceptional man challenged stagnation. Thessaloniki ceased to be the city of ghosts.” Angeloudis praised Boutaris for his leadership during his mayoral term, crediting him with giving Thessaloniki hope and future prospects, and emphasizing his unifying spirit.

His brother, Kostas Boutaris, poignantly recalled, “You lived your last harvest this past warm September and made a wine you named ‘Example’—a model for the city, the environment, the wine world, and the culture.” He expressed the family’s pride in the lasting legacy that Boutaris left behind.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Dedication

“Work, work, work. That’s what he taught me,” shared his son Stelios Boutaris, adding that Yiannis felt great pride in Greece’s recent progress and that work brought him joy.

At the funeral, a recording of Boutaris’ TedX talk played, with his voice urging, “Face things as they come. Realize what you’re doing, make compromises, but remember: live well.” His body lay in state from 11 a.m., allowing citizens to bid farewell to the former two-term mayor who broke political stereotypes with his vibrant personality.

A Lifelong Battle Against Addiction

Also in attendance was Damian Doutsis, head of the rehabilitation center OASIS, who noted Boutaris’ long journey to overcome alcoholism. Doutsis said they had a mutual promise to “pass away sober,” with Boutaris ultimately demonstrating that addiction can be defeated.

An Advocate for Employees and Public Service

Konstantinos Foundoukis, head of the Thessaloniki municipality workers’ union, highlighted Boutaris’ support for municipal employees. “Over 700 employees benefitted from his efforts,” said Foundoukis, noting that Boutaris defended the public nature of services and respected public funds, qualities that will be nostalgically remembered.

An Enduring Figure in Winemaking and Politics

Born on June 13, 1942, in Thessaloniki, Yiannis Boutaris graduated as a chemist from Aristotle University and was an enologist. Following the family tradition, he worked to elevate Greek wine production, establishing wine routes that promoted Greek wines.

In 1996, Boutaris left his family’s company to found his winery, “Kir-Yianni,” with vineyards in Naoussa and Amyntaio, now managed by his sons.

His political career began in 2002 as a municipal council member, and in 2010, he won the Thessaloniki mayoralty by 329 votes, governing with a focus on the city’s international profile and tourism development. Not shy about his stances on national issues, he publicly supported Greece’s stay in the eurozone in 2015 and the Prespa Agreement in 2018.

A Personal Life of Passion and Struggle

Boutaris was married to Athina Michail, his lifelong love, with whom he had three children. After a period apart, they reunited without remarrying. Fulfilling her wish to be cremated, he later advocated for the establishment of a crematorium in Thessaloniki.

He openly addressed his battles with alcoholism, inspiring others with his honesty about addiction.