Foteini Pipili on Nasos Athanasiou: 'Our acquaintance defined my professional path'

Foteini Pipili has shared a heartfelt tribute to journalist and politician Nasos Athanasiou, remembering their professional and personal connection following his recent passing. Pipili described a pivotal encounter at the Hellenikon airport when both were students. Athanasiou, impressed by the band Shocking Blue, was arranging an interview and invited Pipili, then working for Pantheon magazine, to join the broadcast team.

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Why don't you come to the show too, so we can have a woman there? All men are here. You don't need much.

"Why don't you come to the show too, so we can have a woman there?" Athanasiou reportedly asked, noting the all-male panel. This invitation marked the beginning of Pipili's television career, making her the first female reporter on Greek television. She acknowledged that Athanasiou unknowingly opened the path for her.

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The next day, I did my first television report, without realizing the path Nasos opened for me, as the first female reporter on Greek television.

Their connection deepened over years at ERT. Later, in 2006, when Pipili was nominated for Athens Prefect, she reciprocated Athanasiou's earlier support. Recognizing his passion for public affairs and daily issues, she invited him to join her political ticket. He accepted, and was elected as a prefectural councilor.

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Shall I put you on my ticket so we can do great things? He accepted with joy and was elected a prefectural councilor.

Despite periods of separation, their paths crossed again in politics, with Athanasiou serving as a SYRIZA MP and Pipili with New Democracy. They remained colleagues in Parliament until 2023. Pipili expressed deep sadness over the loss of their shared history and bond, emphasizing their mutual love for quality journalism.

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We loved each other because youth, memories, our shared journey, and our love for good journalism could not separate us.