The funeral of Marietta Giannakou, a former education minister and veteran lawmaker with the country’s ruling New Democracy party, took place on Wednesday in Athens.
The funeral service was attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former PM Kostas Karamanlis, and several ministers and MPs from New Democracy.
In a small eulogy during the service, Mitsotakis said Giannakou “was an example of a self-made politician and of a strong woman.”
“She never shied away from responsibility. She had a rare breadth of knowledge and stood out for her clear and tangible choices,” the Prime Minister added.
“Her kindness over the years shaped a unique example of political conduct that was accompanied by radical rhetoric. She proved that a progressive mindset is not a catchphrase nor is it simply joining a political sphere. It is a lifestyle.”
After the ceremony, Giannakou was laid to rest at Athens’ First Cemetery.
Giannakou had a history of health problems, including a recent fall at home, a heart attack six years ago and the amputation of a leg in 2008, due to complications from diabetes.
She passed away on Sunday at the age of 70 and is survived by her daughter, Zoe.
READ MORE: Greek MP and ex-minister, Marietta Giannakou, dies aged 70.
Source: Ekathimerini.
