In the presence of the country's entire political world and in a climate of deep sorrow and grief, Greece bids farewell today to the former President of the Republic, Karolos Papoulias.
The funeral service, which will be chanted at one o'clock in the Church of St. Spyridon, in Pagrati, is expected to be attended by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of SYRIZA - Progressive Alliance, Alexis Tsipras, the President of the Movement for Change, Nikos Androulakis, as well as a number of ministers, MPs and party members, in order to pay tribute to a political man of rare ethics and intellectual culture, who remained moderate and realistic throughout time, without, however, lacking agility and self-denial, especially in critical moments for the country.
His overall national contribution, as well as his personal example of political sobriety in his almost forty years of active presence on the central political stage, were reflected in the government's decision to pay honours befitting a Head of State immediately after the announcement of his death, declaring three days of national mourning, while flags are flying at half-mast in all public buildings of the country until the "last goodbye" to Karolos Papoulias, today at noon.
International personality
Having served as Deputy Minister initially and then Foreign Minister for a number of years, Karolos Papoulias created his own school of thought in the field of Greek foreign policy, which during his time was dynamic, multi-level and extroverted, despite any adversity. For this reason, the news of his death caused grief in many capitals around the world, while the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, expressed their sincere condolences to Greece for the tragic loss, recognizing in the person of the deceased an international political personality.
"He will be remembered as a brave man, who in his youth fought from the ranks of the Resistance against the fascist occupiers and as a true friend of Russia, who in his capacity as President and other high state offices contributed much to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries," the Kremlin's official website said.
"Please convey our sincere sympathy and support to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to the entire Greek people," Vladimir Putin said in his telegram of condolence.
Mitsotakis: "Greeks bow their heads with respect"
For his part, in his condolence message, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised the patriotic legacy of Karolos Papoulias, as well as the deceased's resistance activities, both during the German Occupation and during the dictatorship, expressing his deep sorrow to his relatives.
The Prime Minister's message. Because Karolos Papoulias served it faithfully throughout his life. Even as a teenager he fought the German conqueror. In his years of maturity he resisted the dictatorship. And, later, as a member of parliament and foreign minister, he was one of the most emblematic figures of the country's democratic life.
The highlight of his career was his unanimous and well-deserved election to the office of President of the Republic. A position he served with wisdom and wisdom for a difficult decade. Responding to the challenges of the times with political consistency. And holding high the flag of truth against the waves of populism. He was the President of unity, of practicality, but also of determination.
Greeks bow their heads in respectful thought to the responsible President, the visionary minister, the noble opponent and the dedicated patriot. To the approachable and gentle politician but also to the sensitive and cultured man. They hold up the decades of his life as an example of the course of a true public man. And they are inspired by the message of unity and dignity that he will always radiate.
For the loss of Karolos Papoulias, I too express my deep sorrow. To his family, to his beloved Epirotes, to his countless friends."
His multifaceted personality, moreover, and his gentle attitude throughout his political career brought about the universal recognition of Karolos Papoulias, but also the deep sorrow of all political circles, who bid farewell to the former President of the Republic with respect and sorrow. It is no coincidence that countless messages of mourning and support for the family of the deceased were sent by representatives from all wings of Parliament, acknowledging his deeply constructive attitude.
A crack in the silence
During his tenure in the country's highest office, his patriotic fortitude and his commitment to the need for political stability and protection of the country's international image are now part of modern Greek history, especially during the period 2010-2015, Greece's inclusion in the European support mechanism provoked strong social reactions, culminating in the cancellation of the military parade of 28 October 2011, with Karolos Papoulias - in one of the rare moments of his career - letting emotion overwhelm his speech.
"I am sorry for the insulters. They chose a day that is a disgrace to them. And they're young, too. We fought for Greece. Fifteen years old and I was fighting Nazism and the Germans. Don't tell me now, "Papoulia, traitor." Who is a traitor? Shame on them. Shame on them," declared the President of the Republic, Karolos Papoulias, after the incident, stressing the need to hand over the "home", i.e. the country, "clean and unscathed" to future generations, despite the unprecedented tension of the moment.
Due to the extraordinary health measures, the burial of Karolos Papoulias will take place in a close family circle, in his birthplace, on the island of Ioannina, tomorrow Thursday, while his family's wish is that any donations be made to the Ark of the World and the Society for the Protection of Spastics "Door Open".
Source: First Issue
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