Former Cypriot president George Vassiliou dies aged 94

George Vassiliou, a former president of the Republic of Cyprus and a central figure in the island’s modern political and economic development, died overnight at the age of 94, his family announced on Wednesday.

Vassiliou had been hospitalised since January 6 in critical condition with a chest infection. His wife, Androulla Vassiliou, said he died peacefully surrounded by his family after a prolonged period of illness.

President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his condolences, describing Vassiliou as a leader whose name was closely linked to economic growth, social progress and the modernisation of the Cypriot state. He highlighted Vassiliou’s role in strengthening the economy, founding the University of Cyprus and steering the country towards membership of the European Union.

“Until the end of his life, he remained committed to efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and reunify the country,” Christodoulides said, adding that Cyprus had lost “a universal citizen” who expanded the island’s international presence.

The Council of Ministers is expected to meet later on Wednesday to decide on funeral arrangements and official honours.

Born in Famagusta on May 20, 1931, Vassiliou was the son of a doctor active in left-wing politics. His family spent part of his early life in Hungary, where he pursued higher education, before he fled during the Soviet invasion in 1956 and continued his studies in the United Kingdom. He later obtained a PhD in economics and specialised in marketing and market research.

After returning to Cyprus in 1963, Vassiliou founded MEMRB International, which grew into a major market research and consultancy firm operating across the Middle East and Eastern Europe and was later absorbed into Nielsen International.

Elected president in 1988 as an independent with the backing of the left-wing Akel party, Vassiliou prioritised economic reform and negotiations aimed at resolving the Cyprus conflict. During his term, the economy recorded strong growth, unemployment fell sharply and major tax reforms were introduced. He also oversaw the creation of the University of Cyprus.

His presidency ended in 1993 following a narrow electoral defeat. He later founded a new political movement and remained active in public life. From 1998 to 2003, he served as chief negotiator and coordinator for Cyprus’ accession to the EU, a role widely credited with helping secure the island’s membership.

In later years, Vassiliou continued to participate in discussions on the Cyprus issue as a member of the National Council and remained a prominent public voice on reunification efforts. He received numerous international honours and authored several books and articles.

He is survived by his wife Androulla Vassiliou, a former European commissioner, and their three children.