Giorgos Louloudakis, a prominent executive and former organizational secretary of the Greek conservative party New Democracy, has died at the age of 71.
In an official statement, New Democracy expressed deep sadness at the passing of its former organizational secretary, extending sincere condolences to his family and relatives. The party praised Louloudakis for his dedicated and dynamic efforts to strengthen its presence across Greece and to promote the achievements of New Democracy governments, highlighting his integrity, consistency, drive, and effectiveness across every position of responsibility he held.
Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras also paid tribute to Louloudakis, describing him as a genuine, authentic, and tireless fighter for the conservative movement. Samaras stated that Louloudakis was a man of integrity, an exceptional family man, and far more than just a close political associate, adding that he was deeply shocked by his unexpected loss and bidding farewell to a man he considered a brother.
Decades of political and union service
Born in Drama, northern Greece, on January 17, 1955, Louloudakis traced his family roots to Roumeli in the Mylopotamos region of Crete. He studied at the Athens University of Economics and Business, then known as ASOEE, and was fluent in English. Professionally, he worked at the National Bank of Greece, where he became an active union representative within DAKE, the trade union movement affiliated with New Democracy.
Louloudakis joined New Democracy upon its founding in 1974, following the restoration of democracy in Greece. He played a foundational role in establishing ONNED, the party's youth wing, and DAP-NDFK, its university student association. His early political activity included serving as president of a local ONNED committee, holding a seat on a neighborhood secretariat, and winning election to the student board at ASOEE.
Government positions and party departure
Over decades of service, Louloudakis climbed every tier of the party hierarchy. He served as general secretary of a local organization, general secretary of a prefectural committee, regional director of KEPO, and member of New Democracy's governing Central Committee before rising to organizational secretary.
Beyond party politics, Louloudakis held several public administration posts, serving on the board of directors of the Red Cross Hospital in Athens. He also worked as director at the deputy ministry of tourism, director for the deputy minister of export trade, and director of the political office for the deputy minister of foreign affairs.
Louloudakis ended his half-century association with New Democracy when he resigned from the party on November 25, 2024, citing his opposition to the expulsion of former prime minister Antonis Samaras.
