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Vassillis RapanosGreek economist
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Activism
- Academic and Consulting Career
- Government and Banking Roles
- Ministerial Appointment and Health Issues
Early Life and Education
Vassilis Rapanos was born in 1947 on the Greek island of Kos. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Athens University of Economics and Business in 1975. In 1982, he received his PhD from Queen's University in Kingston.
Political Activism
During the Greek military junta, known as the Black Colonels regime, Rapanos spent over four years in prison for his involvement in a leftist movement that opposed the dictatorship.
Academic and Consulting Career
Rapanos served as a Professor of Economics at the University of Athens. From 1998 to 2000, he was the Chairman of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization. From 2000 to 2004, he was a financial advisor to Prime Minister Costas Simitis and served on Greek delegations to the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Government and Banking Roles
Rapanos held the position of Alternate Minister of Economy from 2004 to 2007. From 2007 to 2009, he worked at the Institute of Economic and Industrial Research. Since 2009, he has been the Non-Executive Chairman of the Hellenic Bank Association and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Greece.
Ministerial Appointment and Health Issues
On June 20, 2012, Rapanos was nominated Minister of Finance, scheduled to replace Georgios Zanias on June 23. However, due to serious health issues, including a detached retina, he withdrew his candidacy and was hospitalized. Rapanos has a history of health problems, including a previous battle with cancer.
