Flags lowered for Costas Simitis

Flags are flying at half-mast outside the Parliament as Greece observes four days of national mourning in honor of former socialist prime minister Costas Simitis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday. A law professor and a reformist, Simitis served as prime minister from 1996 to 2004, was instrumental in leading Greece into the eurozone in 2001, and played a pivotal role in securing the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other political figures have paid tribute to Simitis, acknowledging his significant contributions to the country's political and economic landscape. A state funeral is scheduled for Thursday.