The greatest tragedy and at the same time the greatest pain a human being can experience, that of the loss of a child, has been experienced since yesterday by former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his wife, Georgia. Their only daughter, Lena, suddenly passed away at the age of 34. The loss of such a young woman is a shock, given that it all happened in a matter of hours.

The entire political world was quick to express its support to Antonis and Georgia Samaras in their drama, while expressing the feelings of public opinion on the loss of a young person.

Lena Samara felt intensely unwell and dizzy. According to what was known until late last night, she was rushed to the Sismanoglio hospital. There she was advised to go to Evangelism for specialised neurological examinations. Initially, she was given a cardiological test Lena Samara, however, collapsed while doctors were taking her medical history: She had a seizure and was intubated. The condition quickly deteriorated and the young woman suffered a cardiac arrest. It took a full fifty minutes to try to bring her back to life. Fifty dramatic minutes that did not produce the expected result. The doctors announced to the girl’s parents that so prematurely, so suddenly, so unfairly, Lena had passed away.

Lena Samara was born a year after her parents’ wedding, which took place in May 1990 in Pylos, the homeland of the Samaras family. In 1995, the arrival of their only son Kostas completed the family happiness of the former prime minister. A close-knit family, with Georgia Kritiko-Samara, whose professional footsteps were followed by her only daughter, the only daughter, as the pillar of the family. Like her father (in 1970), Lena graduated (in 2008) from the Athens College. She then studied civil engineering at City University in London. She was always at her father’s side, but her mind was always on her mother. Eleni-Danae Samara was named after her paternal grandmother, Eleni (Lena) Zanna, and was the great-granddaughter of Penelope Delta.

Words fall short in the face of a child’s loss: The condolences of the political world

The tragedy faced by the family of the former Prime Minister has touched everyone deeply. How could it not, when such a young woman is lost so suddenly? After the initial shock of the news, the political world hastened to express its condolences to Antonis and Georgia Samaras.

Among the first were Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, party leaders, ministers, members of parliament, and public figures. All of them expressed their sympathy and wished strength to the grieving parents who now have to say goodbye to their child, with utmost respect for their pain.

President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, stated:
“We were devastated to learn of the tragically unexpected loss of Lena Samaras. From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our condolences and strength to former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his family during these heartbreaking hours.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared his sorrow in a post:
“Words prove small and powerless in the face of such grief,” he wrote, adding: “The sudden and unjust loss of Lena Samaras shocks us all. Mareva and I are thinking of Antonis and Georgia. Their pain is our pain. Strength to them…”

Former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis said:
“Shocked by the unexpected loss of Lena Samaras, I offer my condolences to her family. Dear Antonis, Georgia, Konstantinos—our thoughts are with you. May God rest her soul and give you strength.”

Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also shared his condolences:
“The news of Lena Samaras’ untimely passing has shocked us all. I express my sincere condolences to her parents, Antonis and Georgia, and all her loved ones.”

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, stated:
“With shock and deep sorrow, I learned of the unexpected death of Lena Samaras, daughter of former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Her sudden loss at such a young age makes the pain even greater. Fully aware of how difficult words of comfort are in such a tragedy, I express my sincere condolences to the Samaras family and wish them strength.”

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis wrote:
“This is beyond comprehension! We are all shocked by the loss of the 34-year-old Lena Samaras. My thoughts—and everyone’s thoughts—are with her parents, Antonis and Georgia. May God give them strength.”

Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias also shared:
“My sincere condolences to Georgia and Antonis Samaras for the loss of their daughter Lena.”

Minister of State Akis Skertsos wrote:
“The death of our loved ones tears away part of our soul. And memory is the only place where our people never die.”

Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis wrote:
“Having been present from the very beginning yesterday through all the anxiety for Lena, I truly don’t know what to say to these remarkable parents who are now forced to endure life’s greatest tragedy: losing their child—and such a bright, beautiful child at that. I don’t pretend that this pain can ever be overcome, because it can’t. But I wish them strength and courage.”

Minister of Labor Niki Kerameus stated:
“There are no words. The sudden loss of Lena Samaras has shocked us all. A young woman full of life… All our thoughts are with Antonis, Georgia, and Kostas.”

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis wrote:
“Unbearable pain. The greatest pain. Words are poor in the face of such a tragedy. Sincere condolences to Antonis Samaras and his family. Strength and courage.”

EU Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas said:
“My thoughts are with Antonis Samaras and his wife Georgia for the loss of their beloved Lena. There are no words for such pain. Strength and courage to him and his family in these extremely difficult moments.”

Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris shared:
“Condolences to President @samaras_antonis and his family for the loss of their daughter. Words are meaningless in such circumstances.”

Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Giorgos Mylonakis said:
“There are no words for such an unjust loss of Lena Samaras. Condolences and strength to Antonis and Georgia Samaras.”

Minister of Shipping Vasilis Kikilias posted:
“Words are poor, Antonis and Georgia, to describe such tragedy and grief. From the bottom of my heart—strength to you.”

ND MP Dimitris Avramopoulos stated:
“The sudden death of the beloved daughter of Antonis and Georgia has shocked us all. The pain is indescribable, the loss unimaginable. No parent should ever have to experience such separation. May God give them strength to stand through their grief. My thoughts are with them, with deep compassion and respect.”

“Deepest sorrow over the loss of Lena Samaras. I can’t find the words. My sincere condolences to her parents and brother,” wrote ND parliamentary representative Notis Mitarakis in his post.

ND MP Tasos Hatzivasileiou added:
“My warm condolences to former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his wife Georgia on the death of their beloved daughter, Lena. There are no words for such a great loss.”

Kostas Bakoyannis stated:
“Shocked by the sudden and tragic loss of Lena Samaras, just 34 years old,” and added,
“Our thoughts and hearts are with her father Antonis, her mother Georgia, her brother, and all her loved ones at this very difficult time. Silence, respect, and strength to her family.”

PASOK President Nikos Androulakis expressed his condolences:
“The sudden loss of Antonis and Georgia Samaras’ beloved daughter has shocked us. My sincere condolences. Strength and courage. My thoughts are with them.”

PASOK parliamentary representative Pavlos Christidis wrote:
“Strength and courage to former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, his wife Georgia, and their son Konstantinos for the unbearably painful loss of Lena. My sincere condolences.”

Nikos Papandreou noted:
“Words cannot ease the pain of losing a young person. Our thoughts and prayers are with Antonis Samaras and his wife Georgia, who are going through the worst thing a parent can experience. My heartfelt condolences and strength to them.”

SYRIZA President Sokratis Famellos posted:
“With sincere sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Antonis Samaras and his family for the loss of their beloved daughter, Lena. Faced with such a tragic loss and unbearable burden for the parents, I wish them strength and courage.”

KKE General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas shared:
“My sincere condolences to Antonis Samaras, his wife Georgia, and their family for the tragic loss of their beloved daughter Lena. In such moments, words are superfluous—only strength and courage to all.”

SYRIZA MP Elena Akrita wrote:
“Antonis Samaras’ daughter has died. Lena was only 34, at the most creative age. She surely had dreams and plans. She didn’t get the chance. My sincere condolences to her parents and her loved ones.”

President of the New Left, Alexis Haritsis, said:
“The sudden death of a young person brings us face to face with overwhelming pain and the harshest injustice. Like everyone here in Messinia, I’m shocked. My heartfelt and sincere condolences to Antonis and Georgia Samaras. Strength and courage from the heart.”

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas expressed:
“There are no words for such an unjust loss. With deep sorrow, I extend my sincere condolences to Antonis Samaras and his family for the loss of their beloved daughter. Strength.”

President of the Democracy Movement Stefanos Kasselakis wrote:
“In such moments, words feel empty. I express my deepest condolences to the family of Antonis and Georgia Samaras for the loss of their daughter, Lena.”

Aphrodite Latinopoulou, President of Voice of Reason, also expressed her heartfelt sympathy:
“For a parent to lose their child is the most unspeakable tragedy. There is no greater pain, no deeper wound. Especially when the child is taken unjustly, prematurely, so young—just 34 years old. A young woman, a life ahead of her, cut short violently, leaving behind only sorrow and unanswered ‘whys.’ May God give them strength and comfort in this dark hour.”

Former minister Andreas Loverdos wrote:
“Mr. Prime Minister, my dear Antonis, there are no words. My thoughts are with you and your family. The shock is indescribable…”