Xenophon Zolotas 1904 – 2004

Biography

Xenophon Zolotas was born on March 26, 1904, in Athens, Greece, during a formative period in the nation’s modern history. Throughout his long and distinguished life, he became recognized as a prominent economist and academic whose expertise shaped economic thought and policy in Greece during the twentieth century. His career reflected a deep commitment to scholarly advancement and public service, establishing him as an influential intellectual figure in his country.

In 1989, at an advanced stage in his career, Zolotas was called upon to serve as Prime Minister of Greece, a position he held until 1990. This appointment represented recognition of his standing and the respect he commanded among Greece’s political and intellectual circles. His tenure as Prime Minister allowed him to apply his economic knowledge directly to matters of national governance during a significant period in Greek history.

Zolotas maintained his connection to Athens throughout his entire life, both at its beginning and end. He passed away on June 10, 2004, at the age of one hundred, having witnessed an entire century of profound change. He was laid to rest at the First Cemetery of Athens, leaving behind a legacy as an economist, scholar, and statesman who contributed meaningfully to Greece’s intellectual and political development.