Family, colleagues, and officials paid moving tributes to George Vassiliou, the third President of the Republic of Cyprus, at his funeral at the Agia Sofia church on Saturday in Nicosia. They spoke of him as a politician, entrepreneur, visionary, advocate for reunification and reconciliation, founder of the University of Cyprus, father, and champion of gender equality and marginalised communities.
Former government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou described Vassiliou’s death as a national loss that leaves Cyprus poorer. He emphasised that despite his achievements as a scientist, economist, entrepreneur, and President, Vassiliou remained humble and approachable.
Proud of his family
Papapetrou recalled Vassiliou’s childhood and student years, as well as the family circumstances that shaped his character. He highlighted the early years of his career and the founding of KEMA, a few years after returning to Cyprus, and spoke of his marriage to Androulla Vassiliou, their three children, and five grandchildren. “He was proud of his family,” Papapetrou said.
Regarding his presidency, Papapetrou said that Vassiliou propelled Cyprus forward towards modernisation. “Even 33 years after his term, Cyprus remembers him with love, gratitude, and respect for his contributions,” he said.
Papapetrou also noted Vassiliou’s efforts to combat corruption and clientelism, his focus on modernising the state, and his awareness that EU membership would enhance opportunities for progress. He submitted Cyprus’ EU accession application at the right time and later contributed to the negotiations for accession alongside Glafkos Clerides and Kostas Simitis.
He highlighted Vassiliou’s achievements in education, particularly founding the University of Cyprus. Papapetrou described him as a politician who introduced a new ethos, relying on rational argument and dialogue. Vassiliou restructured the civil service, established the Academy of Public Administration, upgraded the Police Academy, implemented tax reforms, and modernised the operation of the National Council. “During his term, Cyprus’ stature soared,” Papapetrou concluded.
Mustafa Akıncı's farewell
Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı stressed the importance of reconciliation between the two communities in a message read at the funeral by his associate, Meltem Onurkan Samani.
Samani recounted Vassiliou’s steadfast support for bi-communal dialogue, even during difficult periods following the Crans Montana talks. Vassiliou “understood that peace cannot wait for perfect political conditions” but must be nurtured and protected even in hostile circumstances, she said.
Akıncı’s message praised Vassiliou as one of the few politicians genuinely dedicated to a reasonable and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, committed to dialogue, compromise, and reconciliation.
The visionary behind the university
Professor Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus, described Vassiliou as the “political founder” of the institution, emphasising that without his vision, the university would not exist in its current form.
Christofides highlighted Vassiliou’s determination to establish a public university despite difficult times and conservative opposition. He underscored Vassiliou’s commitment to academic freedom and autonomy, which allowed the university to grow into a world-class institution free from political interference.
His contributions had a direct impact on society and young people, creating opportunities for students to study at home and for Cypriot professionals abroad to return. “He gave space to create, to hope, and to dream for a better Cyprus,” Christofides said.
Sunday's were precious family time
George Vassiliou’s son, Evelthon, delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Vassiliou family. He focused on the childhood memories he cherishes most, recalling Sundays when his father, George Vassiliou, dedicated precious time to his children. “I remember them as carefree moments, but you surely had your own work pressures and challenges that we never felt,” he said, highlighting the sense of security and reassurance his father provided.
Reflecting on his father’s professional career, Evelthon Vassiliou noted that when he founded KEMA in the 1960s, based in Cyprus and active in the Middle East, it was a company in an unfamiliar field - market research - at a time when nothing like it existed. Over the years, it created employment for hundreds of scientists over the next three decades. “You saw the future and built upon it. You saw it early, in 1971, when you spoke of Cyprus needing to align with the EEC. When you founded the university, when you applied for Cyprus’ accession to Europe - you achieved so much because you lived so fully,” he said, reflecting on his father’s early years.
A man who refused to give up
Evelthon also spoke of his father’s deep belief that “peoples who had fought each other” could come together for the greater good.
“Many speak of your integrity. I blame you, because you gave me the illusion that integrity could be taken for granted,” he added. He also described his father as a “hard worker,” determined and persistent, who refused to give up even in the most difficult moments.
Gender equality and a united island
Evelthon Vassiliou highlighted George Vassiliou’s respect for all people and social groups. “You always greeted everyone with a smile, embraced them warmly, with a firm handshake,” he said. Emphasising his father’s strong belief in gender equality, he recalled that when George said “Androulla and I,” it may have sounded unusual - but it reflected not only the strength of their relationship and the worth of his wife, but also how naturally he viewed gender equality at a time when the idea was still new in Cyprus. He also mentioned his father’s support for the first Pride parade in Nicosia.
The second point he emphasised was his father’s profound belief in the need for reconciliation among all Cypriots. “You said Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live together - and we must live together,” he said, noting that for George Vassiliou, reconciliation was not just a vision but a necessity for the safety and prosperity of the country. “You fought with determination and courage for the reunification of our homeland,” Evelthon added.
In conclusion, he reflected on the difficulties of his father’s later years, noting that he still gave his family the luxury of time together despite prolonged separations. “We feel immense pride for all that he achieved. We feel deep gratitude that we had him in our lives. He was not only ours, but belonged to all of you who honoured him through your messages and presence. You lived a full life, a meaningful life, a life of service. Safe journey, Dad.”