Thessaloniki bids farewell to its former mayor, Yiannis Boutaris, on Tuesday, honoring him in a civil funeral. The public figure, nown for his progressive policies, world renowned wine and outspoken nature, passed away at the age of 82 on Saturday evening.
Citizens will be able to pay their final respects to Boutaris in the courtyard of the Thessaloniki City Hall where his body will lie in state for public viewing from 11 am to 2 pm.
Thessaloniki’s City Hall flags are flying at half-mast to honor his memory.
The former mayor will be cremated, a cause he championed during his time in office, by advocating for the establishment of a crematorium in the city.
Amongst the high profile dignitaries expected to attend the funeral will be Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and PASOK-KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to organizations such as the ARCTUROS wildlife protection organization, which Boutaris founded in 1992, and The Children’s Shelter.
Yiannis Boutaris became Thessaloniki’s 60th mayor in 2014, leading the city through significant changes over his two terms in office. In late 2018 he announced that he would not run for mayor for a third time. Later reflecting on his decision, Boutaris said “I’ve lived a full life, I’ve enjoyed it… Goodbye!”
Speaking about the challenges he faced during his eight years in office, Boutaris admitted that the decision to step down was easy, but the announcement was difficult. He expressed pride in his achievements, such as the creation of the Holocaust Museum, but also frustration over uncompleted projects, like the redevelopment of the old waterfront and the city’s Aristotelous Square.
Boutaris also made it clear that he had no political ambitions beyond local government. Despite receiving offers to run for Parliament or the European Parliament, he believed that “the best way to be involved is through Local Government,” highlighting the mayor’s critical role in impacting citizens’ daily lives.
