# Konstantinos Mitsotakis > Prime Minister of Greece from 1990 to 1993 **Wikidata**: [Q312013](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312013) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konstantinos_Mitsotakis) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/konstantinos-mitsotakis ## Summary Konstantinos Mitsotakis was a Greek politician and diplomat who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1990 to 1993. He was a prominent figure in Greek politics, known for his efforts to modernize the country's economy and strengthen its position in European affairs. As a lawyer by training and a veteran politician, Mitsotakis played a significant role in shaping Greece's political landscape during the late 20th century. ## Biography - **Born:** October 18, 1918 - **Died:** May 29, 2017 - **Nationality:** Greece - **Education:** National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (founded April 24, 1837), the oldest higher education institution in modern Greece - **Known for:** Serving as Prime Minister of Greece from 1990 to 1993; leading the New Democracy political party; diplomatic work in international relations - **Employer(s):** Government of Greece; Hellenic Parliament - **Field(s):** Politics, Diplomacy, Law - **Professions:** Lawyer, Politician, Diplomat ## Contributions As Prime Minister of Greece from 1990 to 1993, Konstantinos Mitsotakis led the Greek government during a critical period following the end of the Cold War. His administration focused on economic modernization and strengthening Greece's international position. Prior to his tenure as Prime Minister, Mitsotakis served in various ministerial positions and played a key role in Greek diplomacy, representing Greece in international affairs. His political career spanned several decades, during which he worked to advance Greece's interests in European organizations and bilateral relations. He was awarded the Robert Schuman Medal, a peace award from the EPP Group, recognizing his contributions to European cooperation and peace. ## FAQs ### What was Konstantinos Mitsotakis's professional background? Konstantinos Mitsotakis was trained as a lawyer, having studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece's oldest university established in 1837. He practiced law before entering politics, and his legal background informed his approach to governance and diplomacy throughout his career. ### What political positions did Konstantinos Mitsotakis hold? Beyond serving as Prime Minister of Greece from 1990 to 1993, Mitsotakis was a long-serving member of the Hellenic Parliament and leader of the New Democracy party. He held various ministerial positions throughout his political career and was actively involved in Greek politics for several decades. ### Was Konstantinos Mitsotakis involved in diplomacy? Yes, Mitsotakis served as a diplomat representing Greece in international affairs. His diplomatic work contributed to Greece's foreign policy objectives and helped strengthen the country's relationships with other nations, particularly within the European context. ### What awards did Konstantinos Mitsotakis receive? Konstantinos Mitsotakis received the Robert Schuman Medal, which is a peace award presented by the EPP Group (European People's Party Group) in the European Parliament. This award recognized his contributions to European cooperation and peace efforts. ### Was Konstantinos Mitsotakis related to other notable Greek politicians? Yes, Konstantinos Mitsotakis was the father of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who has served as Prime Minister of Greece since 2019. Kyriakos Mitsotakis currently leads the Greek government, continuing the family's prominent role in Greek politics. ## Why They Matter Konstantinos Mitsotakis matters in Greek and European political history for several significant reasons. His tenure as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1993 came at a pivotal moment in European history, immediately following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During this transformative period, Mitsotakis guided Greece through significant political and economic changes, working to integrate the country more fully into European structures. His moderate political stance and pro-European orientation helped shape Greece's modern political landscape. The Robert Schuman Medal recognition underscores his contribution to European peace and cooperation. Perhaps most significantly, his political legacy continues through his son Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who currently serves as Prime Minister, making the Mitsotakis family one of the most influential political dynasties in modern Greek history. ## Notable For - Serving as Prime Minister of Greece from 1990 to 1993 - Leading the New Democracy political party - Receiving the Robert Schuman Medal (peace award from the EPP Group) - Being a trained lawyer educated at Greece's oldest university - Representing Greece in diplomatic capacities - Father of current Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis - Long-serving member of the Hellenic Parliament ## Body ### Early Life and Education Konstantinos Mitsotakis was born on October 18, 1918, in Greece. He received his education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which was founded on April 24, 1837, and officially opened on May 3, 1837. The university, located in Athens, is the oldest higher education institution in modern Greece and is considered one of the country's most prestigious academic institutions. Originally known as the "Othonian University" from 1837 to 1862, it was later renamed the "National University" from 1862 to 1911, before adopting its current name "National and Kapodistrian University of Athens" in honor of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of state of independent Greece. As a law graduate, Mitsotakis entered the legal profession, which would serve as the foundation for his subsequent political career. ### Political Career Mitsotakis embarked on a long and distinguished political career in Greece, eventually rising to the highest office in the land. He became leader of New Democracy, one of Greece's major political parties, and led the party through several electoral cycles. His tenure as Prime Minister of Greece began in 1990 and lasted until 1993, a period that coincided with profound changes in Europe following the end of the Cold War. During his time as Prime Minister, Mitsotakis focused on modernizing the Greek economy and strengthening the country's position within European institutions. He served as a member of the Hellenic Parliament, representing his constituents and advocating for Greek interests at the national level. His political career was characterized by a moderate, pro-European approach that sought to position Greece as a full participant in the emerging post-Cold War European order. ### Diplomatic Work Beyond his domestic political roles, Konstantinos Mitsotakis represented Greece in diplomatic capacities, contributing to the country's foreign policy and international relations. His diplomatic efforts were particularly important during a period when Greece was seeking to strengthen its ties with Western European institutions and establish itself more firmly within the European community. The Robert Schuman Medal, which he received, reflects recognition of his contributions to European cooperation and peace—values that align with the broader goals of European integration that Greece pursued during his political career. ### Family Legacy and Lasting Influence The legacy of Konstantinos Mitsotakis extends beyond his own political achievements through his family. His son, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has followed in his footsteps and currently serves as Prime Minister of Greece, a position he has held since June 8, 2019. This continuation of political leadership within the same family represents a significant phenomenon in Greek political history. The elder Mitsotakis's political philosophy and approach to governance influenced his son's career and policies, creating a generational transmission of political values and strategies. His death on May 29, 2017, marked the end of a political career that spanned much of the latter half of the 20th century in Greece, but his influence continues to be felt in contemporary Greek politics through his family's continued leadership. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R80QQSaNBvU) 3. Hellenic Parliament 4. [Australian Honours Search Facility](https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/882091) 5. Helsingin Sanomat. 1991 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. Find a Grave 9. Discogs 10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 11. BnF authorities 12. Munzinger Personen 13. [«Έφυγε» ο Κωνσταντίνος Μητσοτάκης](http://www.skai.gr/news/politics/article/347434/efuge-o-konstadinos-mitsotakis/) 14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 15. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtIknKB7gdXeR6S0IoelHBw) 16. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 17. YouTube API