President Nikos Christodoulides described the third President of the Republic of Cyprus, George Vassiliou, as a distinguished, virtuous and beneficial man, a cosmopolitan and global figure, naturally free, non-doctrinaire, and consistent with his beliefs, in his eulogy on Saturday.
“Today we bid farewell to George Vassiliou, the third President of the Republic of Cyprus, a protagonist in a journey of over nine decades, filled with events that shaped the modern history of our homeland, Greece, and Europe,” Christodoulides said.
A cosmopolitan leader
He noted that Vassiliou’s journey began in Famagusta in 1931 and continued in Mytilene, Budapest, Geneva, Vienna, London, Nicosia, the Middle East, Africa, and many other countries. “In challenging times marked by Cold War divisions between East and West, which split people in every sphere of life — ideological, political, economic, geographic, even existential,” the President said.
“All these unique experiences shaped George Vassiliou as a man, an economist, a technocrat and a politician. In every role, he never forgot that the essence of life lies in the simple, everyday matters defined by the values and needs of people, regardless of colour, race, religion, ideology, party affiliation or social background.”
Christodoulides continued, saying this trait made him “cosmopolitan and universal,” enabling him to feel comfortable anywhere in the world and with anyone. “His sound judgement and speed of thought were key to everything he encountered in his long life — to understand, to analyse, to decide, and to implement, often in a pioneering way ahead of his time,” he added.
Establishing Cyprus' university
The President emphasised that Vassiliou’s top priority was the resolution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the homeland for the benefit of all lawful residents. He worked sincerely and tirelessly with genuine political will to achieve this goal. “Unfortunately, he left us with the unfulfilled desire for reunification, which troubled him until the end of his life,” Christodoulides said.
He highlighted Vassiliou’s transformative contribution to the modernisation of the state through major reforms, including tax reform, structural changes in public administration, the founding of the first public university, and the creation of a society in which every citizen could express themselves freely, without fear, regarding political beliefs.
“The reforms he promoted contributed decisively to the economic and social development of Cyprus, as well as to the sustainability and modernisation of the state. We must all acknowledge his determination and courage in implementing essential changes, despite opposition from those who preferred inertia and stagnation,” the President said.
Key role for EU
Vassiliou also played a key role in Cyprus’s accession to the European Union, both as President when the application was submitted and later as head of the accession negotiations. Christodoulides noted that as early as 1969, Vassiliou was among the first to highlight the significance of linking Cyprus to the then-European Economic Community.
“Naturally free, non-doctrinaire, and consistent with his convictions, George Vassiliou willingly undertook the heavy responsibility of the accession negotiations, generously entrusted to him by his successor, the late President Glafkos Clerides. Through methodical work, diligence and a deep belief in Cyprus’s European future, he effectively led this successful national effort, making the Republic of Cyprus a full and equal member of the European Union,” Christodoulides said.
His beloved wife
“He departed this life, constantly accompanied by your soft spot, your wife, the beloved Androulla, your children and grandchildren, along with your second family — your colleagues, friends and companions throughout your professional and political journey,” he added.
The President stressed that the most precious recognition of his contributions comes from all people and leaders in Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Europe as a whole, countries of the Middle East and Africa, Britain, Russia, the United States, and every other nation he visited.
“I feel deeply moved because I have the privilege to bid you farewell on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus and to offer the painful ‘final goodbye,’ along with the gratitude that will forever accompany your memory as a distinguished, virtuous and beneficial man — who lifted our country higher and led it forward,” Christodoulides concluded.