He was born in Kalamata; his father was executed by the Nazis during World War II.
He studied law, economics and political science at the universities of Athens, Montpellier and Paris.
From 1967 to 1987, his research areas included the Mediterranean economy, the European Community, the Chinese agricultural industry, and fishing.
In 1987, he was a founding member of the Greek Left, which later became Synaspismos.
He lost a bid for the party leadership to Alekos Alavanos in December 2004.