Vaso Filippatou, longtime New Democracy figure, dies suddenly

Vaso Filippatou's sudden death has prompted mourning within New Democracy and among people who worked with her in politics and health care.

Filippatou spent decades associated with the party and held several organizational roles. She served as president of the New Democracy local organization in Nea Filadelfeia and later participated in the party's Political Committee.

In recent years, she remained active in New Democracy's health sector in northern Athens. Outside politics, she worked for many years as a nurse. People who knew her described her as committed to helping and supporting those in need.

Filippatou came from Lixouri on the Ionian island of Kefalonia and maintained strong ties with Athens' Kefalonian community. She also took part in social initiatives connected with her birthplace.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis were among the senior New Democracy figures who offered condolences. Her death leaves a loss for her family, friends, colleagues and the party to which she devoted much of her personal and political life.