Yiannis Boutaris: A Legacy of Change in Thessaloniki
Yiannis Boutaris, an outspoken winemaker, passionate environmentalist, and transformative politician, passed away on Saturday at the age of 82. His death, which occurred at a hospital in Thessaloniki, was confirmed by Kir-Yiannis, the winemaking company he founded in 1997. The announcement did not specify a cause of death.
Known for his distinctive style, Boutaris was a chain-smoking, tattooed figure who sported an earring, making him a striking presence in the conservative political landscape of Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second-largest city with a population exceeding 800,000. As a recovering alcoholic with a candid approach to life, he never saw himself as a traditional politician. Instead, he entered the political arena as an independent candidate, successfully breaking a two-decade stronghold of conservative governance in the city.
During his impactful tenure as mayor from 2011 to 2019, Boutaris stirred public discourse by addressing the complex and often painful historical narratives involving Thessaloniki’s former Turkish and Jewish communities. His efforts to foster dialogue extended beyond borders, highlighting his belief that reconciliation was essential for progress. He often remarked, “Greeks and Turks are siblings, while the Europeans are our partners,” emphasizing the need for unity amidst historical tensions.
In a particularly bold move in 2017, amidst heated disputes between Greece and the newly established Republic of North Macedonia over the latter’s name, Boutaris invited Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to celebrate New Year’s in Thessaloniki. He articulated his stance clearly, stating, “I am not expressing national diplomacy or strategy, but I do think this nonsense has to end.” This gesture exemplified his commitment to fostering relationships and promoting peace in a region marked by historical strife.
Yiannis Boutaris leaves behind a legacy of progressiveness and a vision for a more inclusive future for Thessaloniki, one that acknowledges its past while embracing the potential for collaboration and growth.
