How a century-old Greek broadsheet survived political turmoil to become a national institution
In short: Founded in 1919, Kathimerini has evolved from a hard-line conservative voice into Greece’s premier newspaper of record. Over the last century, it has navigated intense political rivalries, corporate scandals, and ownership shifts, ultimately cementing its status as a vital influence on the nation's economic and political landscape today.
The story of Kathimerini began on September 15, 1919, when Georgios Vlachos established the publication in Athens. Initially, the paper was defined by its staunch antivenizelist stance, positioning itself as a primary conservative voice in Greek media. This editorial identity persisted for decades, with the paper frequently opposing prominent figures like Eleftherios Venizelos and later Georgios Papandreou. The paper remained under the stewardship of the Vlachos family for years, passing from the founder to his daughter, Eleni Vlachou, and her husband, Constantine Loundras.
The newspaper’s trajectory shifted dramatically in the late 20th century. Before her passing, Vlachou sold the enterprise to George Koskotas, who sought to leverage the media outlet to support the socialist party of Andreas Papandreou. This period of instability ended in 1988 when Aristeidis Alafouzos, a successful entrepreneur in shipping and construction, acquired the publication. Alafouzos is credited with rescuing the paper from a period of decline, transforming it into a high-quality broadsheet with significant influence on economic policy and an established international reputation.
Today, the publication is managed by Nees Kathimerines Ekdoseis Single Member S.A. and continues to maintain its traditional aesthetic, including its signature griffin logo. While it was once traded on the Athens Stock Exchange, it was removed from the list in December 2015. Under the leadership of Themistoklis Alafouzos, who succeeded his father in 2017, the paper has broadened its political scope. It now hosts a diverse array of opinions from across the spectrum, ranging from traditional liberalism to the conservative right. Beyond its daily print run, the organization produces a variety of magazines and maintains a partnership to distribute an English-language edition alongside the New York Times International, ensuring its reach extends well beyond the Greek-speaking world.
The paper’s influence remains substantial, though its precise daily circulation figures are currently shielded from public release. In January 2014, its Sunday edition reached a circulation of 95,007 copies. By 1995, it had already been recognized as the closest equivalent to a national newspaper of record, a status it has maintained through its commitment to rigorous analysis and comprehensive coverage of the country's complex political and financial affairs.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kathimerini
- Also: Wikidata — Kathimerini · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Kathimerini · CC0
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