Dora Bakoyannis

Dora Bakoyannis-headshot

Dora Bakoyannis (born May 6, 1954) is a prominent Greek politician who has held several significant positions in the Hellenic Parliament and the Greek government. She is a member of the New Democracy party and has been influential in Greek politics for several decades.

Early Life and Education

Dora Bakoyannis was born in Athens, Greece, into a politically active family. She is the daughter of Konstantinos Mitsotakis, a former Prime Minister of Greece. She studied political science and communication at the University of Munich and later continued her studies in public law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Political Career

Early Career

Bakoyannis began her political career in the early 1980s. She was first elected to the Hellenic Parliament in 1989 as a representative of the New Democracy party.

Mayor of Athens

In 2002, Bakoyannis was elected as the Mayor of Athens, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Her tenure as mayor was marked by significant urban development projects and the successful hosting of the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Minister for Foreign Affairs

In 2006, Bakoyannis was appointed as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, a position she held until 2009. During her tenure, she focused on improving Greece's relations with its neighbors and played a key role in the Balkan region's diplomatic affairs.

Later Career

After serving as Foreign Minister, Bakoyannis continued to be an influential figure in Greek politics. She has held various positions within the New Democracy party and has been an active member of the Hellenic Parliament.

Personal Life

Dora Bakoyannis is married to Isidoros Kouvelos, a prominent Greek businessman. She has two children from her first marriage to Pavlos Bakoyannis, who was assassinated by the Revolutionary Organization 17 November in 1989.

Legacy and Influence

Bakoyannis is known for her contributions to Greek politics, particularly in the areas of urban development and foreign affairs. She remains a significant figure in the New Democracy party and continues to influence Greek political discourse.

See Also

• New Democracy (Greece)
• Hellenic Parliament
• Mayor of Athens
• Minister for Foreign Affairs (Greece)
• 2004 Summer Olympics
• Konstantinos Mitsotakis