Greek political pioneer Vasso Papandreou dies at 79

Vasso Papandreou‚ a ground-breaking Greek politician and womens rights advocate passed away at her home near Athens on 10/17/2024 (she was 79). Her funeral held two days later‚ was attended by ex-Prime Minister Costas Simitis and other seasoned politicians

Papandreouʼs career spanned decades. She was a founding member of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement roughly 50 years ago. She served in various ministerial positions (including economic development interior‚ and environment) in Simitis governments from about 20-28 years ago. Notably‚ she was Greeceʼs first female European Commissioner approximately 32-35 years back overseeing employment industrial relations and social affairs

Her most significant achievement was championing womens representation in politics. Around 22 years ago‚ she successfully pushed for legislation requiring 33% female representation on candidate lists starting with municipal elections – this laid the groundwork for better gender balance in Greek politics

Even though we found ourselves on opposite sides I must admit she was a strong personality ... she earned the devotion of her friends and the respect of her opponents

Papandreouʼs political journey was marked by notable moments. In an election about 31 years ago‚ she received a still-standing record of 256831 preference votes – many from female PASOK supporters who saw their vote as a rebuke to the party leadership. Around 30 years ago‚ she was part of the “Group of Four“ that aimed to push the ailing party founder Andreas Papandreou into retirement

Born on 12/9/1944 Papandreou studied economics in Athens before earning a Ph.D. from the University of Reading in the UK. She started her career as an academic before shifting to politics as Greece emerged from a seven-year military dictatorship

Throughout her career Papandreou advocated for:
- workers rights
- educational opportunities
- support for mothers
- individuals with special needs

Her passing marks the end of an era in Greek politics leaving behind a legacy of breaking barriers and pushing for social justice