Is Democracy in Crisis? Lessons from the Greek Experience
Dr Costas Simitis
Former Prime Minister of Greece
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Date
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Tuesday, 23 October 2007
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Time
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18:30 - 20:00
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Venue
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Old Theatre, Old Building, LSE
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Chair
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Professor Kevin Featherstone, Hellenic Observatory Director
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Dr Costas Simitis, former Prime Minister of Greece, gave the Annual Lecture of the Hellenic Observatory for 2007. Dr Simitis, an alumnus of the School since he graduated in Economics in 1963, chose as his theme: 'Is Democracy in Crisis? Lessons from the Greek Experience'. Reviewing the evidence of increased public disenchantment with the contemporary political process in Europe, Dr. Simitis argued that voters could be re-engaged in political life by serious and honest debate on policy alternatives.
Moreover, the European Union's position could be enhanced, for example, by it being seen as natural that national leaders from one country might support the electoral campaigns of their peers in another member state. The lecture, which was held in the Old Theatre, was attended by some 450 guests. The lecture was followed by a public reception and a private dinner.
In introducing the former Prime Minister, Professor Kevin Featherstone noted that the establishment at the LSE of the Eleftherios Venizelos Chair in Contemporary Greek Studies had occurred during Dr Simitis' Government. He thanked Dr Simitis for the support he had given to this initiative.
Dr Simitis was accompanied by his daughter, Marilena, who obtained her PhD from the School in 2002.
Related articles - Greek press and media
Given the current developments in PASOK, Dr Simitis's lecture received great publicity in the Greek media: in.gr, Eleytherotypia, Kathimerini, Naftemporiki, Ethnos
EVENT PHOTOS
From left to right:
Professor Kevin Featherstone; LSE Pro-Director George Gaskell;
Dr Costas Simitis, Ms Marilena Simitis & Dr Spyros Economides
From left to right: Professor Kevin Featherstone;
Dr Kostas Simitis & Dr Spyros Economides