Simitis, Costas (1936- )

Greek politician, prime minister 1996-2004. Entering parliament in 1985, he served under Andreas Papandreou as minister of agriculture 1981-85, minister of national economy 1985-89, minister of education 1989-93, and was responsible for industry, energy, technology, and commerce from 1993. In 1996 he was chosen by the ruling Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) to replace Papandreou on the latter's resignation in 1996.

Simitis was born in Athens and educated at the University of Marburg and the London School of Economics. Initially combining an academic career with an involvement in politics, he was a member of the National Council of the Panhellenic Liberation Movement while the country was under military control 1967-1974, and a member of PASOK from 1974.