Apostolos Tzitzikostas

Apostolos G. Tzitzikostas
Απόστολος Τζιτζικώστας
Member of the EU Committee of the Regions
Incumbent
Assumed office
26 January 2015
Regional Governor of Central Macedonia
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 January 2013
Preceded by Panagiotis Psomiadis
Deputy Governor of Central Macedonia
In office
14 November 2010 – 5 January 2013
Personal details
Born 2 September 1978
Political party Independent;
formerly Nea Dimokratia
Alma mater Georgetown University,
University College of London
Profession Political scientist

Apostolos G. Tzitzikostas (Greek: Απόστολος Τζιτζικώστας; born 2 September 1978) is a Greek independent (formerly a Nea Dimokratia) politician and governor of the region of Central Macedonia since 2013.

Biography

Education and business career

Born 1978 as a son of the future Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Georgios Tzitzikostas , Apostolos Tzitzikostas studied International Politics and Diplomacy at Georgetown University and worked at the office of the Chair of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Following his graduation in Public Policy and Economics at the University College of London,[1] he returned to Greece and in 2001 joined his family's business, the Vrachia-based dairy company Farma, where he was tasked with developing an organic milk production later to be marketed by industry leader Mevgal.[2] From 2003 until 2007 he served as CEO. From 2005 until September 2007 he was appointed President of the Thessaloniki branch of liberal think tank Center for Political Research and Communication.[1]

Political career

In the 2007 legislative election, Tzitzikostas stood for election on Nea Dimokratia's list in the Thessaloniki A constituency and was elected a Member of the Hellenic Parliament. In the early 2009 election, he lost his seat but was appointed his party's Deputy Head for Greeks Abroad.

At the 2010 local election, newly elected regional governor of Central Macedonia Panagiotis Psomiadis appointed him his deputy. Following Psomiadis' criminal conviction, Tzitzikostas succeeded him on 5 January 2013.[3]

Later in 2013, both his invitation of Golden Dawn party representatives to the annual 28th October Ohi Day parade drew nation-wide criticism, including from his own party, and his following comparison of the fascist party with the socialist PASOK caused even more anger.[4]

Subsequently, Tzitzikostas lost support by Nea Dimokratia and in the 2014 local election, he was challenged by ND candidate Yannis Ioannidis. With the support of right-wing parties ANEL, EPAL and LAOS, he however clearly defeated him in the second round and was popularly elected regional governor for five more years.[5] Since 26 January 2015, he has been a Member of the EU Committee of the Regions.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "About Apostolos Tzitzikostas". The Economist Intelligence Unit. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  2. ↑ Μακεδονική Φάρμα: στα premium με «όπλο» ποιότητα - συσκευασία [Macedonian Farm: the heavy duty packaged premium]. Kathimerini (in Greek). 23 September 2003. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Apostolos Tzitzikostas new regional chief for Central Macedonia periphery". ANA-MPA. 6 January 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  4. ↑ "Row over neo-Nazis overshadows Greek resistance parade". AFP. 28 October 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  5. ↑ "Local elections: Dourou wins Attica, Kaminis reelected in Athens". To Vima. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
  6. ↑ "Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS". Committee of the Regions. Retrieved 8 April 2015.

External links