Former President of the Republic of Cyprus, George Vassiliou, passed away last night at the age of 94. His wife, Androulla Vassiliou, announced the his death via a social media post. She noted that after two years of illness, her beloved George Vassiliou slipped away peacefully in the embrace of his family at Nicosia General Hospital.
Androulla Vassiliou stated: “It is difficult to bid farewell to this man, who was an exceptional husband and father, a person full of kindness and love for his country and the people of Cyprus.”
Presidential tenure and legacy
George Vassiliou served as the third President of the Republic of Cyprus, following Archbishop Makarios and Spyros Kyprianou. He was elected on 21 February 1988, with his term ending on 28 February 1993.
During his presidency, George Vassiliou made significant efforts to find a just solution to the Cyprus problem. Under his leadership, Cyprus submitted its application for European Union membership.
Later, during President Glafcos Clerides’s term, George Vassiliou headed the negotiating team for Cyprus’s EU accession. He oversaw the harmonisation and implementation of the EU acquis communautaire, culminating in complete success.
For this achievement, in October 2002, he received the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus, the nation’s highest honour.
Early life and career
George Vassiliou was born in Famagusta on 20 May 1931. He studied economics at the Universities of Geneva, Vienna, and Budapest, holding a doctorate from Budapest University. In London, he specialised in marketing and market research.
He married Androulla Vassiliou, with whom he had three children: two daughters and a son. Among other roles, he worked as an economist, served as vice-president of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), lectured and taught at universities, and collaborated with the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.
George Vassiliou also authored works, including the first book on marketing in the Middle East.
Planning State funeral
The Cabinet, chaired by President Nikos Christodoulides, convenes extraordinarily today, 14 January, at 4pm in the Presidential Palace. Discussions centre on funeral arrangements and appropriate honours for former Cyprus President George Vassiliou.
Decisions will formalise national mourning and ceremony details befitting his legacy.
Also read: Students out of class due to cold: Cypriot schools in 2026
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for the latest updates.
