Antonis Manitakis, the Greek constitutional scholar and government minister who led the Ministry of the Interior, died Feb. 18, 2026, following an undisclosed illness. He was 81.
Manitakis began his academic career at the Law School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he earned his undergraduate degree before completing a doctorate at the University of Brussels. Following his studies abroad, he succeeded Aristovoulos Manesis in the prestigious chair of Constitutional Law. His dedication to legal education led him to serve as the Dean of the School of Law and Economics from 1989 to 1991.
In 2007, President Karolos Papoulias presented him with an award for exceptional university teaching. This academic foundation supported his transition into government service during a period of national transition. He held the role of interim Minister of Interior in the caretaker cabinet of Panagiotis Pikrammenos in May 2012, serving as a prominent politician during the nation's administrative reforms.
A second term as Minister of the Interior followed in 2015. International universities hosted him as a visiting professor during his later years. He concluded his public service as an emeritus professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.