Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Greek politician, Greek Minister of the Interior (b. 1933)

Ioannis Kefalogiannis (Greek: Ιωάννης Κεφαλογιάννης), a towering figure in modern Greek politics, was born on December 6, 1933, and passed away on January 20, 2012. Hailing from the historic island of Crete, he dedicated a significant portion of his life to public service, leaving an indelible mark on Greece's political landscape, particularly through his long tenure as a Member of Parliament and various crucial ministerial roles.

A Distinguished Parliamentary Career

Kefalogiannis's parliamentary career was exceptionally long and impactful, spanning several decades and critical periods in Greek history. He first entered the Hellenic Parliament as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1958, serving until 1964. This initial period was marked by the pre-junta political turbulence in Greece.

Following the fall of the military junta in 1974, which had suspended democratic institutions, Ioannis Kefalogiannis made a triumphant return to parliamentary politics. He was consistently elected, serving uninterruptedly from 1974 until his retirement in 2004. Throughout the majority of his political life, he represented the constituency of Rethymno, located on the island of Crete, a region deeply connected to his family's roots and political influence. He was a prominent member of the conservative New Democracy party (Νέα Δημοκρατία), contributing significantly to its policy-making and electoral successes during both the Konstantinos Karamanlis and Konstantinos Mitsotakis eras.

Key Ministerial Portfolios and Contributions

During his extensive parliamentary service, Ioannis Kefalogiannis was entrusted with vital ministerial responsibilities, reflecting his capabilities and the trust placed in him by successive governments. His ministerial appointments included:

• Minister of Public Order: He held this critical portfolio multiple times, notably during significant periods. For instance, he served as Minister of Public Order from November 28, 1977, to May 10, 1980, under Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis, and again from May 10, 1980, to October 21, 1981, in Georgios Rallis's government. His final tenure in this role was under Konstantinos Mitsotakis, from April 11, 1990, to August 8, 1991. This role involved overseeing domestic security, law enforcement, and maintaining public order, a demanding position during times of political and social change in Greece.
• Minister for Tourism: From November 21, 1974, to November 28, 1977, Kefalogiannis served as the Minister for Tourism in Konstantinos Karamanlis's post-junta government. During this period, Greece was actively rebuilding its international image and revitalizing its crucial tourism sector, which forms a cornerstone of the Greek economy. His efforts contributed to the re-establishment of Greece as a premier global tourist destination.
• Minister of the Interior: He also served as Minister of the Interior from August 8, 1991, to December 3, 1992, under Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis. This ministry is central to a country's administration, responsible for local government, elections, and public administration reform, highlighting his pivotal role in national governance.

A Lasting Political Legacy

Ioannis Kefalogiannis is remembered not only for his long service and diverse ministerial roles but also for his unwavering commitment to his constituents and his robust presence in Greek politics. His political journey from the post-civil war era to the early 21st century encapsulates many of Greece's modern transformations.

His political legacy continues through his family. His daughter, Olga Kefalogianni, has followed in his footsteps, establishing her own distinguished political career. As of recent cabinet appointments, she currently serves as the Minister of Tourism for Greece, continuing a family tradition of public service and echoing her father's past ministerial portfolio in the same sector.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ioannis Kefalogiannis

When was Ioannis Kefalogiannis born and when did he pass away?

Ioannis Kefalogiannis was born on December 6, 1933, and passed away on January 20, 2012.

What political party was Ioannis Kefalogiannis affiliated with?

He was a prominent and long-serving member of the conservative New Democracy (Νέα Δημοκρατία) party in Greece.

Which constituency did Ioannis Kefalogiannis represent in the Greek Parliament?

Ioannis Kefalogiannis primarily represented the constituency of Rethymno, located on the island of Crete, throughout most of his extensive parliamentary career.

What ministerial positions did Ioannis Kefalogiannis hold?

He held significant ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Public Order, Minister for Tourism, and Minister of the Interior, serving in various governments over his career.

Does Ioannis Kefalogiannis have family members active in Greek politics?

Yes, his daughter, Olga Kefalogianni, is also a prominent Greek politician and currently serves as a Cabinet Minister, continuing the family's legacy in public service.