A Greek lawyer and politician who served as the Minister for National Defence, known for his contributions to the country's military and defence policies.
Vangelis Meimarakis is a prominent Greek politician and lawyer, widely recognized for his extensive experience in Greek politics, particularly as the acting President of New Democracy and Leader of the Opposition in Greece from 2015. With a storied career spanning over four decades, Meimarakis has held various key positions, including Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament and Minister for National Defence.
Meimarakis was born on December 14, 1953, in Athens, Greece, to a family of Cretan descent. His father, a Member of the Hellenic Parliament, played a significant role in shaping Meimarakis' early interest in politics.
Meimarakis pursued his higher education at Panteion University, where he became involved with New Democracy in 1974 as a student. During this period, he co-founded the Youth Organisation of New Democracy (ONNED), which marked the beginning of his active involvement in Greek politics.
Meimarakis' early political career was marked by his appointment as the chairman of the ONNED Executive Committee in 1984. He led the organisation to its 1st Conference in March 1987, demonstrating his leadership skills and commitment to New Democracy.
In the general elections of 1989, Meimarakis was first elected as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament, representing Athens B. He has since been re-elected multiple times, solidifying his position within New Democracy.
Meimarakis has held various key roles within New Democracy, including Secretary of the Central Committee (2001-2004) and parliamentary representative (1991-1992). He has also served as Deputy Minister for Sports (1992-1993) and Minister for National Defence (2006-2009).
In 2012, Meimarakis was elected as the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, a position he held until 2014. This role showcased his ability to navigate the complexities of Greek politics and work effectively with various stakeholders.
In 2015, Meimarakis became the acting President of New Democracy and Leader of the Opposition, competing against Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in the September 2015 Greek legislative election.
Since 2019, Meimarakis has been a Member of the European Parliament, where he continues to contribute to the development of Greek and European politics.
Throughout his career, Meimarakis has demonstrated unwavering commitment to New Democracy and Greek politics, earning him a reputation as a seasoned politician and lawyer.
Meimarakis' extensive career is a testament to his dedication to Greek politics and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a veteran politician and lawyer, he continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Greece and the European Union.
75 Years Old
The 185th Prime Minister of Greece, a key figure in the country's economic and political landscape, known for his leadership during the European sovereign-debt crisis. He implemented austerity measures to address Greece's financial woes.
69 Years Old
A prominent Greek politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, known for his key role in shaping Greece's economic and foreign policy during a critical period.
52 Years Old
Greek engineer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 2015 to 2019, known for his efforts to restructure Greece's debt and implement progressive policies .
Born in 1883
A Greek philosopher, author, and playwright who explored the human condition through novels like "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ", delving into themes of spirituality, morality, and individualism.
Born in 1907
A Greek lawyer and politician who served as President of Greece, known for leading the country's transition from military dictatorship to democracy. He's credited with modernizing Greece and joining the European Union.
Born in 1919
Greek economist and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece, known for his socialist policies and efforts to reduce Greece's reliance on foreign capital. He also played a key role in Greece's accession to the European Union.
74 Years Old
A Greek sociologist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Greece from 2009 to 2011, known for his efforts to address the country's debt crisis.
70 Years Old
Greek lawyer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 2004 to 2009, implementing significant economic and social reforms. He's known for his efforts to modernize Greece and strengthen its position within the EU.
