Pioneering PASOK figure Vasso Papandreou passes away

·

Vasso Papandreou, one of the founding members of the socialist PASOK party, and a former European commissioner, minister, and MP, has passed away at the age of 79.

    Reports suggest that she had been struggling with health issues in recent months.

    Papandreou was best known for her advocacy of women’s rights and was notably the first woman to represent Greece as a commissioner in the European Union, then the European Economic Community. She also championed social welfare and disability rights.

    Exiled during the military dictatorship from 1969 to 1973, she became one of the founding members of PASOK upon her return to Greece. She went on to serve in the party’s central committee and held several cabinet positions in the governments of Andreas Papandreou (no relation).

    In 1989, she was appointed as the European Commissioner responsible for employment, industrial relations, and social affairs.

    Under Costas Simitis, between 1996 and 2004, she held senior posts at the Ministries of Economic Development, Interior, and Environment and Public Works.

    She also served as an MP for Athens’ First Constituency, being elected to Parliament in 1993, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2007, and 2009. However, she was removed from PASOK’s parliamentary group in 2012.

    Papandreou will be laid to rest on Saturday in her hometown of Valimitika, in Aigio, located in the northern Peloponnese.

    Source: Ekathimerini.

    Cretan Convention - Web Banner

    Advertisement

    Share:

    KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

    By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

    Advertisement

    Latest News

    ‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

    The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

    Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

    Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

    St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

    The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

    Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens ties in Adelaide visit

    Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, is visiting Adelaide, South Australia.

    Ex-Collingwood captain sues former manager Jason Sourasis for $3 million

    Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has filed a $3 million lawsuit against his former manager and long-time friend Jason Sourasis.

    You May Also Like

    Key decisions await as GOCSA hold first meeting after elections

    The Electoral Committee of GOCSA has announced the successful candidates elected to the Administrative Council for the 2025-2026 term.

    Organisations to secure grants for 2021 NSW Seniors Festival

    NSW organisations which help older people get active and connected have the chance to share in the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program.

    Alex Hawke MP: Government delivers largest partner program in over 25 years

    The Government has delivered the 2020-21 Migration Program, including the largest Partner Program in over 25 years.