The Polytechnic of Crete yesterday presented former liberal New Democracy prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis with a Gold Medal. The ceremony took place at the Mediterranean Centre of Architecture Chania in the northwestern part of the island of Crete.

Mr. Mitsotakis, a Cretan politician born in Chania, was offered the institution’s highest medal in honor of his efforts towards the recognition of regional Greek universities and as an appreciation of his contribution to the founding and operation of the Polytechnic.

He was offered the award by the Polytechnic’s rector, Vassilis Digalakis. The veteran politician stressed the importance of education and of using technology to make Greece more competitive during the acceptance of his award.