Dimitris Vounatsos, the former PASOK MP and a well-known figure in Lesvos and national politics, has died at the age of 82.
He passed away on Monday, April 7 at the Vostaneio Hospital in Mytilene, where he had been receiving treatment for a month following a stroke. Neurosurgery had been performed on him about a month prior.
Recognised across Greece for his distinctive personality and public presence, Vounatsos became widely known beyond the island of Lesvos, which he loved deeply and served passionately. He was a committed supporter of PASOK and its founder, Andreas Papandreou, whom he “adored.”
Born in Plomari, southern Lesvos, he was the son of the respected lawyer and politician Fokion Vounatsos, a participant in the National Resistance and former MP for the Centre Union. The elder Vounatsos also served as mayor of Plomari.
Vounatsos followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a lawyer himself. He was married to Myrsini Kountouri.
He studied law in Thessaloniki, where he became involved in student unionism. He held prominent roles, including president of the Law School’s Student Association and chair of the local branch of the National Union of Students of Greece (EFEE).
Vounatsos was first elected as MP for Lesvos in 1981 and was re-elected until 1993. He later returned to his legal practice but remained active in public life. In 1998, he was elected Prefect of Lesvos with the support of PASOK and DIKKI. In 2010, he was elected mayor of the newly unified Municipality of Lesvos, winning 57.80% of the vote.
His death was announced by Lesvos-based journalist Varvara Gigilini.
Source: tovima.gr
