Former Greek minister Ioannis Varvitsiotis dies at 93

Ioannis Varvitsiotis, a prominent historical figure of the New Democracy party and former Greek minister, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 93. His death occurred on the same day as his birthday. Born in Athens in 1933, he was a distinguished lawyer and politician who served as a member of parliament for the ERE and New Democracy parties for over four decades.

Throughout his long career, Varvitsiotis held several ministerial positions and served as the Vice President of New Democracy from 1993 to 1997. He also served as a Member of the European Parliament. He was recognized as one of the most experienced political figures of post-war Greece and was notable for being one of the final two surviving deputies of the ERE party, as well as the last surviving member of the 1961 Hellenic Parliament. He is survived by his four children: former minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, journalist Eleni, Thomas, and Konstantinos.

Varvitsiotis earned his law degree from the University of Athens and completed further studies at the University of Freiburg, specializing in corporate law. He was awarded a doctorate from the University of Athens in 1960. His career remains a significant chapter in the parliamentary history of Greece due to his extensive service and influence in the country's political landscape.