Former President George Vassiliou played a critical role in the modern political history of the island, Disy leader Annita Demetriou said on Wednesday as political parties expressed condolences over his death.

Vassiliou died aged 94 overnight on Tuesday, his family announced on Wednesday.

“His contribution to the country, in a critical period, as well as his contribution to shaping the European perspective of Cyprus, are part of our modern political history,” Demetriou wrote in a post on X.

President Nikos Christodoulides said Vassiliou’s “name was synonymous with the effort for economic development of our country, social progress of our people, and modernisation of the Cypriot state in all areas”.

“Until the end of his life he was committed to the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem and reunify our country,” Christodoulides said.

Former President Nicos Anastasiades, in office from 2013 to 2023, described Vassiliou as an esteemed political figure in the modern history of Cyprus.

“In critical periods, with vision, political courage, and a European orientation, he worked tirelessly for the modernisation of the state in a wide range of areas, serving the country with actions rather than slogans,” he said. 

In his efforts regarding the Cyprus problem, Anastasiades said that Vassiliou had chosen “the difficult path of responsibility”, approaching the matter with sincerity and decisiveness.

“With a realistic approach and commitment to peace, he sought to create the conditions for a fair and sustainable solution, recognising that the reunification of our homeland and the peaceful coexistence of all Cypriots requires dialogue and international legitimacy,” Anastasiades said.

He emphasised Vassiliou’s impact in the context of the Republic’s accession to the European Union, with Vassiliou having headed the relevant negotiating team and said that his contribution to the country as “a living legacy for future generations”.

“I had the honour of working with George Vassiliou and getting to know him personally, his integrity, his love for his country, and the sense of duty that distinguished him throughout his life,” he said.The House extended its condolences to Vassiliou’s family, paying tribute to his contributions to the Republic.

The House extended its condolences to Vassiliou’s family, paying tribute to his contributions to the Republic.

“George Vassiliou served the country with honesty and dedication, linking his name with the tireless efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and modernise the state,” the House said.

It said Vassiliou left “a distinct imprint on the political history of the country”, with his path being “inextricably linked to the vision and path of the Republic of Cyprus’ integration into the European Union (…).

“[The former President] at this critical juncture, bequeaths to us the virtues of sobriety, commitment to institutions and constant service to the country,” the House wrote.

Akel, which had backed Vassiliou as an independent candidate in 1988, said he served the Republic with “dedication, rationality and conscientiousness.

“With George Vassiliou as President, Cyprus moved forward – by general consensus – made real progress with the democratisation of the state and the promotion of meritocracy in institutions, with economic and social development, while leaving a huge legacy to the people and the country, such as the creation of the University of Cyprus,” the party wrote.

An event held as part of Vassiliou’s presidential campaign

Akel went on to say that Vassiliou had reinforced the island’s standing both in Europe and across the globe, and was dedicated to resolving the Cyprus problem.

“Vassiliou’s presidency and entire career in local politics were linked to his commitment to the goal of resolving the Cyprus issue within the framework of UN resolutions, in consultation with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, the liberation and reunification of Cyprus,” the party said.

Disy, as the party of Vassiliou’s former political opponent Glafkos Clerides, also expressed its condolences.

“[The two] faced each other in three consecutive presidential elections. However, this did not prevent them from working together for the good of our country,” Disy said.

“At a time when politics is unfortunately degenerating, the example set by these two statesmen reminds us of the importance of serious, robust and responsible political intervention,” it added, honouring Vassiliou as an “important figure who left his mark on the modern political history of our country.”

Political party Dipa said Vassiliou’s impact would be “recognised by history”, saying he was a politician with a deep belief in Cyprus.

“It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to George Vassiliou, a politician with a decisive contribution to the modern history of the Republic of Cyprus. His election to the Presidency of the Republic in 1988 marked a period of institutional reconstruction, international extroversion and strategic preparation of Cyprus for the future,” Dipa wrote.

Edek expressed its condolences, calling Vassiliou “a pioneer in the field of economics, marketing and market research”, who “notably left his political mark as President of the Republic.”

The Ecologists Movement said it was saddened to learn about Vassiliou’s death, recognising him as “a prominent political figure of the country, with a long public presence and a decisive contribution to critical periods of modern Cypriot history.”

Far-right party Elam offered their condolences to Vassiliou’s wife, family and friends.