Stavros Dimas, Greek lawyer and politician, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

Stavros Dimas (Greek: Σταύρος Δήμας, pronounced [ˈstavros ˈðimas]), born on April 30, 1941, stands as a distinguished figure in both Greek and European political spheres. Throughout his extensive career, he has held significant portfolios, contributing to policy-making at national and continental levels, leaving a notable imprint on environmental policy and foreign relations.

A Prominent Voice in European Environmental Policy

One of Stavros Dimas's most impactful roles was his tenure as the European Commissioner for the Environment, serving from 2004 to 2009. In this pivotal position, he was responsible for shaping and implementing environmental legislation across the European Union's then 25 (and later 27) member states. His responsibilities included addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and promoting sustainable development. This role demanded extensive diplomatic skill, technical understanding, and the ability to forge consensus among diverse national interests, all while advocating for a greener, more sustainable future for Europe.

Serving the Nation: Minister for Foreign Affairs

Beyond his European commitments, Dimas returned to direct national service in a critical period for Greece. From November 2011 to May 2012, he served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the government of Greece. This period was marked by significant economic challenges for the country, making his role crucial in maintaining Greece's international standing and diplomatic relations. As Minister, he represented Greece on the global stage, engaging with international partners and institutions to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and support the nation's interests during a time of considerable domestic pressure and economic restructuring.

The Presidential Nomination and its Aftermath

A pivotal moment in Stavros Dimas's national political journey occurred in December 2014, when he was nominated by the then-ruling New Democracy–PASOK coalition government for the prestigious, albeit largely ceremonial, post of President of the Hellenic Republic. The Greek presidential election process requires a supermajority in parliament. Dimas, despite his widely respected career and reputation, ultimately failed to achieve the necessary votes in the parliamentary ballots. Under the Greek constitution, the inability of parliament to elect a President necessitates its dissolution and the calling of snap general elections. This outcome had profound political ramifications, plunging Greece into a period of renewed political uncertainty and ultimately leading to a change in government.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stavros Dimas

Who is Stavros Dimas?

Stavros Dimas is a prominent Greek politician, born on April 30, 1941, known for his significant contributions at both the national and European levels, particularly in environmental policy and foreign affairs.

What was his primary role in the European Union?

He served as the European Commissioner for the Environment from 2004 to 2009, where he was instrumental in developing and implementing environmental legislation across the EU.

When did he serve as Greece's Minister for Foreign Affairs?

Stavros Dimas held the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Greek government from November 2011 to May 2012, during a challenging economic period for the country.

What happened with his nomination for President of Greece in 2014?

In December 2014, he was nominated by the New Democracy–PASOK coalition government for President. However, he did not secure the necessary parliamentary votes, which, according to the Greek constitution, led to the dissolution of parliament and the calling of snap elections.

What is the significance of the "dissolution of parliament" in this context?

In Greece, if parliament fails to elect a President after a series of votes, the constitution mandates that parliament must be dissolved, and new general elections must be called. This is a crucial constitutional mechanism designed to resolve political impasses and ensure governmental stability, or to allow the electorate to choose a new mandate.