ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Mourners filled the streets outside Athens’ central cathedral on Thursday as the country held a state funeral for former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who passed away at the age of 88 over the weekend. Recognized for his instrumental role in bringing Greece into the eurozone in 2001, Simitis was honored with the ceremonial status due to a sitting prime minister, reflecting his significant contributions to the nation.

The solemn ceremony commenced with a service at the Metropolitan Cathedral, drawing a wide array of attendees including state officials, politicians, and notable academics, who honored Simitis’ legacy during the four-day period of national mourning. Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides was also present to pay his respects, emphasizing Simitis’ role as an “outstanding leader” in both Greece and Cyprus’ histories.

Simitis led Greece from January 1996 until March 2004, governing as a member of the PASOK party. His tenure was marked by substantial reform, where he implemented rigorous public spending cuts alongside infrastructure investments which facilitated Athens' successful bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games.

Throughout the day, streets in central Athens closed to facilitate the funeral procession, halting traffic as the hearse passed through throngs of mourners gathered to pay tribute. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou delivered an eloquent eulogy, highlighting Simitis' vision for a “strong and equitable Greece in Europe,” and advocating for continuous reform and modernization during his leadership.

While Simitis was celebrated for steering Greece into the eurozone and fostering economic modernization, his premiership was not without challenges. Following his departure from office, Greece experienced a decade-long debt crisis, which indicated underlying issues from his administration, as criticized by several economists.

The funeral concluded with Simitis' interment at Athens’ First Cemetery, a site that houses many revered figures from Greek history. As a testament to his enduring influence, thousands of citizens came together to honor a leader who played a crucial role in shaping modern Greece.

For further details on the funeral event and Simitis' contributions, you can refer to the original articles by AP News and Reuters.