People's Democracy

 CPI(M) Condoles Death Of Comrade Florakis

The following letter condoling the death of Comrade Harilaos Florakis, honorary chairman of Communist Party of Greece, has been sent to the central committee, CP Greece by CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat and Head of International department and Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury on May 24, 2005

DEAR Comrades,

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing away of Comrade Harilaos Florakis, honorary chairman of the Communist Party of Greece. Comrade Florakis was an epochal figure. His revolutionary life and activities traversed the various stages of the development of the communist movement in Greece.

Harilaos Florakis began his journey as a communist at a young age joining the Communist Youth Federation. He participated in the trade union movement as a worker and organising the first large-scale strike during the fascist occupation. Florakis’ outstanding role in the fight against the occupation forces on the ranks of the ELAS and against British imperialism will always be remembered.

As a staunch communist, Florakis withstood years of imprisonment and exile without in any manner surrendering his convictions. As the first secretary of the central committee of the Greek Communist Party, Florakis played a major role in guiding the Communist Party of Greece, based on Marxist-Leninist principles.

The central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) pays homage to this intrepid revolutionary and communist leader. We share the sorrow of all Greek communists and progressives at this loss.

Please convey our heartfelt condolences to the family members of Harilaos Florakis and to your Party members.