Former Greek minister and member of parliament Stefanos Manos died on August 15 at the age of 87, prompting tributes from political leaders across Greece. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, cabinet ministers, and opposition parties offered condolences following his passing. Manos was a veteran politician and business figure who left a lasting mark on public policy and state reform.
President of the Republic Costas Tassoulas expressed sadness over the passing of Manos, stating that he distinguished himself in public life for decades through his work and principles. Tassoulas noted that Manos remained active until the end of his life with undiminished interest in public progress, serving the vision of a modern and European Greece with integrity and courage. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Manos an unconventional politician whose views were often ahead of his time and who defended his radical ideas to the end.
Mitsotakis highlighted the contribution of Manos to major national reforms, including the introduction of mobile telephony in Greece. He also credited Manos with key infrastructure projects such as the Athens Metro, the Rion-Antirion Bridge, the creation of pedestrian walkways, and the protection of traditional settlements. Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis added that Manos left a substantial reform footprint and remained young in his thinking throughout his life.
Infrastructure and Economic Reforms
Vice President of the Government Kostis Hatzidakis stated that Manos left behind a strong legacy of work and structural reforms. Hatzidakis linked Manos to projects including the first pedestrian streets in Athens, the preservation of the Plaka neighborhood, the Athens airport, and the design of the Attiki Odos highway. He noted that Manos fought major battles to reduce the size of the public sector and free the economy from bureaucratic constraints.
Hatzidakis described Manos as stubborn and unconventional, prioritizing his convictions over popularity and public relations. He noted that spatial and urban planning interventions in Athens cost Manos his parliamentary seat in 1981, though he continued his reform efforts regardless of opposition. Hatzidakis recalled attending student union seminars led by Manos in the 1980s and receiving practical advice from him during later ministerial tenures in transport, environment, and energy.
Parliamentary Career and Party Leadership
President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis praised Manos as a prominent figure who marked Greece post-junta political history across more than three decades. First elected to parliament in 1977 with New Democracy, Manos served as Minister of National Economy and Finance, as well as Minister of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. Kaklamanis noted that Manos also founded The Liberals party and co-founded Action, distinguishing himself through direct political speech and hard work.
Minister Adonis Georgiadis called Manos one of the most capable personalities in political life, noting that he was never afraid of confrontation when pursuing what he believed was right.
Minister of State Akis Skertsos stated that the political legacy of Manos was to remain useful and rational in public life rather than seeking to be popular. Minister of Migration Policy Thanos Plevris added that Manos consistently served his principles even when they were unpopular.
Opposition Party Responses
Opposition party PASOK stated that Manos consistently chose directness and upheld his ideological principles throughout his political journey, even when facing political costs. Main opposition party SYRIZA issued a statement noting that Manos was an active figure in national politics and business life for decades. SYRIZA stated that Manos consistently represented liberal views and actively contributed to public dialogue until the end of his life.
