Births on February 20

Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, Greek lawyer and politician, Greek Minister of Health

Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou (Greek: Μαριλίζα Ξενογιαννακοπούλου, pronounced [mariˈliza ksenoʝanakoˈpulu]), born in 1963, is a prominent Greek politician and a distinguished lawyer by profession. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to both national and European political landscapes, demonstrating a deep engagement with social and economic policy, particularly during challenging periods for Greece.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Born in 1963, Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou embarked on a career in law, which laid the groundwork for her eventual transition into politics. Her dedication to public service saw her rise through the ranks, primarily within the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), a major force in Greek politics for decades. Her early political activity reflected a commitment to socialist ideals and European integration, values that would guide her throughout her various roles.

A Career in Public Service: From Brussels to Athens

Xenogiannakopoulou's political journey began with a strong European dimension. She served as a

Member of the European Parliament

from 2004 to 2007, representing Greece and contributing to the broader European legislative process. During this period, she was also active within the Party of European Socialists, aligning her work with a wider movement for social democracy across the continent. Her experience in Brussels provided her with invaluable insights into European Union governance and the intricate web of international relations.

Upon her return to Greece, she successfully transitioned to national politics, becoming a

Member of the Greek Parliament

from 2007 to 2012. This period was particularly turbulent for Greece, grappling with the onset of a severe economic crisis. Xenogiannakopoulou's expertise and political acumen were quickly recognized, leading to key ministerial appointments:

• Minister for Health and Social Solidarity (2009–2010): In this critical role, she was at the forefront of addressing the nation's healthcare challenges and safeguarding social welfare programs during an increasingly difficult economic climate.
• Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, responsible for European Affairs (2010–2012): Her previous experience in the European Parliament proved vital here, as she played a crucial role in managing Greece's complex relationship with the European Union and its member states amidst ongoing financial negotiations.

Beyond her governmental roles, Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou also held significant party responsibilities, serving as

Secretary of the National Committee of PASOK

between 2005 and 2006. This position underscored her influence within the party's leadership and her role in shaping its policy direction.

Principled Resignations and Political Evolution

The intensifying Greek sovereign debt crisis and the subsequent austerity measures deeply impacted the political landscape and tested the convictions of many politicians. Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou famously demonstrated her unwavering principles by taking decisive actions:

• Resignation from Government (February 10, 2012): She resigned from her position as Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, citing strong objections to the terms of the second EU-IMF bailout package for Greece. This was a significant political statement, highlighting her concerns about the impact of the bailout conditions on the Greek populace and the nation's sovereignty. The EU-IMF bailouts were a contentious series of financial assistance packages provided to Greece to prevent a sovereign default, often coming with strict conditions for fiscal austerity and structural reforms.
• Resignation from PASOK (November 1, 2012): Later that same year, she further solidified her stance by resigning her membership from PASOK. She publicly stated her objections to the new austerity measures adopted by the Greek coalition government, declaring that the party no longer represented her "ideologically and politically." This move reflected a profound disagreement with the direction her long-standing party was taking in response to the economic crisis.

These principled resignations marked a pivotal moment in her career, emphasizing her commitment to her political beliefs even when it meant diverging from her party and government.

FAQs About Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou

Who is Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou?

Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou is a Greek politician and lawyer, known for her ministerial roles and parliamentary service in both Greece and the European Parliament, and her principled stance during the Greek economic crisis.

When was she born?

She was born in 1963.

What were her most prominent political positions?

She served as Minister for Health and Social Solidarity (2009–2010), Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs (2010–2012), Member of the Greek Parliament (2007–2012), and Member of the European Parliament (2004–2007).

Why did she resign from the government in 2012?

She resigned on February 10, 2012, due to her objections to the terms of the second EU-IMF bailout for Greece, believing them to be detrimental to the country.

Why did she leave PASOK?

She resigned her membership from the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on November 1, 2012, stating that the party's adoption of new austerity measures no longer aligned with her ideological and political views.