Greece mourns veteran politician Giannis Varbatsis at state funeral

Giannis Varbatsis, a veteran Greek politician, died on 2 August at the age of 93. A state funeral was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic Konstantinos Tsatoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Speaker of the Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, former Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, former PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos and Athens mayor Haris Doukas, along with numerous ministers and senior officials.

Mitsotakis said Varbatsis “leaves a heavy legacy,” recalling his role in shaping the Constitution and his dedication to public service. Other speakers highlighted his humility, sense of duty and the respect he earned across the political spectrum. Varbatsis’s son Miltiadis praised his father’s ability to inspire both respect and love.