George Vassiliou Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids George Vassiliou
Γιώργος Βασιλείου
Vassiliou in 1992

3rd President of Cyprus
In office 28 February 1988 – 28 February 1993
Preceded by	Spyros Kyprianou
Succeeded by	Glafcos Clerides
1st President of United Democrats
In office 1996–2005
Succeeded by	Michalis Papapetrou
Member of the Cypriot House of Representatives
In office 1996–2001

Personal details
Born	(1931-05-20) 20 May 1931 (age 94) Famagusta, Cyprus (now disputed)
Political party	United Democrats (Enomeni Dimokrates)
Spouse	Androulla Vassiliou
Children	3
Alma mater	University of London

George Vassiliou (born 20 May 1931) is a Cypriot politician. He served as the President of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. Before becoming president, he was a successful businessman.

As president, he led a time of good social and economic changes. He worked to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus Problem. After his presidency, he continued to be active in politics and worked to help Cyprus join the European Union.

Early Life and Education
Becoming President
- Key Actions as President
After His Presidency
- Working with Europe
Political Beliefs
Personal Life
Honours and Awards
See also

Early Life and Education

Vassiliou was born in Famagusta, which was then part of British Cyprus. His family was Greek Cypriot. His father, Vasos, was a doctor and a member of a political party called Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL).

George Vassiliou went to university in Hungary. Later, he continued his studies at the University of London.

Becoming President

In 1988, George Vassiliou was elected president. He ran as an independent candidate, meaning he wasn't officially part of a major political party. He had support from the AKEL party. He took over from Spyros Kyprianou, who had been president for two terms.

Key Actions as President

During his time as president, Cyprus saw its economy grow. Vassiliou also made important changes to protect people's privacy. He stopped the police from keeping files on citizens' political beliefs.

He worked hard to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus dispute. This is a long-standing issue about the division of the island. Even though he tried to solve it, the problem was still there when his term ended in 1993.

After His Presidency

After losing the 1993 elections to Glafkos Clerides, Vassiliou started a new political group. It was called the Free Democrats Movement. He became the leader of this new party.

In 1996, he was elected as a member of the Cypriot Parliament. His party won two seats in the elections that year. Later in 1996, his party joined with another party to form the United Democrats. Vassiliou was chosen as the president of this new party and led it until 2005.

Working with Europe

From 1998 to 2003, Vassiliou played a very important role for Cyprus. He was the main person negotiating for Cyprus to join the European Union. This was a big step for the country, and he helped make it happen.

Political Beliefs

George Vassiliou strongly believes in European unity. This means he thinks European countries should work closely together. He often takes part in international groups and events that promote cooperation.

He is a member of the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation. This group works to promote tolerance in Europe. It also helps fight against xenophobia (dislike of people from other countries), extremism, and anti-Semitism (hatred towards Jewish people).

Personal Life

George Vassiliou is married to Androulla Vassiliou. They have three children.

In 2014, he wrote a book about his life before he became president. It was called 'Odyssey'. In 2015, he started writing a second book about his time as the president of Cyprus.