**NICOSIA** – Cyprus yesterday bid a solemn farewell to its third President, George Vassiliou, a distinguished economist and statesman whose tenure from 1988 to 1993 was marked by significant economic reforms and a steadfast commitment to European integration and a unified island. The nation observed a day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast since Tuesday, culminating in a state funeral held with presidential honours at the Tis Tou Theou Sophias Cathedral in Nicosia.
Vassiliou, who passed away at the age of 94 after a protracted period of illness, was a towering figure in Cypriot politics, widely lauded for his visionary leadership and his unwavering dedication to finding a peaceful resolution to the protracted division of the island. His passing has elicited a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum, both domestically and internationally, acknowledging his profound impact on the nation's trajectory.
Born into a family with deep roots in Cyprus, Vassiliou’s early career was shaped by his academic pursuits in economics. He transitioned from a successful businessman and economist to a prominent political figure, eventually leading the country through a period of crucial economic and social transformation. His presidency was characterised by a bold agenda of reforms, including significant overhauls in the social welfare system, taxation policies, and broader economic restructuring aimed at modernising the island's economy.
A pivotal achievement during his presidency was the establishment of the University of Cyprus in 1992, a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education and a forward-looking investment in the nation's future. Furthermore, Vassiliou championed the liberalisation of the media landscape, dismantling the state’s long-standing monopoly on broadcast services, thereby fostering greater pluralism and freedom of expression.
On the international stage, Vassiliou was a staunch advocate for Cyprus's accession to the European Union, a goal that was eventually realised in 2004. He was also deeply invested in efforts to reunify the island, actively engaging in negotiations for a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution. His administration's pursuit of such a resolution led to the formulation of the Ghali Set of Ideas, a significant, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, framework for peace. His economic policies during his term yielded impressive results, with the per capita Gross Domestic Product nearly doubling, underscoring the efficacy of his administration's approach. He also made concerted efforts to inject private sector efficiency into the public sector, aiming to enhance its responsiveness and competitiveness.
His wife, Androulla Vassiliou, a former European Commissioner herself, shared a poignant tribute, stating, "After two years of suffering, my beloved George, my life partner of 59 years, passed away peacefully in our arms at Nicosia General. It is difficult to say goodbye to this man who was an exceptional husband and father, a man full of kindness and love for his country and people." Their enduring partnership of nearly six decades served as a quiet but powerful example of shared dedication and mutual support.
The funeral, attended by a broad cross-section of Cypriot society, including current President Nikos Christodoulides and representatives from the AKEL party which had supported his presidency, underscored the respect and admiration Vassiliou commanded. His legacy as a European visionary, a dedicated peacemaker, and a transformative leader will undoubtedly continue to shape Cyprus for generations to come.