July 23, 1974: Greek military rule gives in to democracy

·

On July 23, 1974, the seven-year dictatorship of Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos collapsed under the weight of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

The former Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis was invited to return. Huge crowds gathered to greet him at Athens airport and there was jubilation in the streets of the Greek capital to mark the beginning of a return to democracy.

Conservative Karamanlis, 67, was Prime Minister for an unprecedented eight years until the centre-left won power in the country’s last democratic election in 1963.

Former Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis arrived in Greece on July 24.

At the time, a spokesman for the Greek armed forces explained the junta’s decision to step down as “in view of the position in which the country finds itself.”

In the morning of July 24, Karamanlis was sworn in as Prime Minister by the Archbishop of Athens and in the presence of the President of the Republic, General Gizikis.

At noon of the same day, the first echelon of his government was sworn in, consisting of right-wing and center-right politicians.

In the morning of July 24, Karamanlis was sworn in as Prime Minister.

Immediately after, the first measures for the restoration of democracy were announced:

  • the abolition of the Gyaros camp.
  • The release of all prisoners.
  • The amnesty of all political crimes.
  • The return of citizenship to the citizens who had been deprived of it by the dictatorship of 1967.

In its immediate aims, the government included the restoration of democratic normalcy and the formation of a climate of national unity, the disorganisation of the dictatorship’s power grid and the restoration of political control in the army, the preparation for elections and the resolution of the crisis in Cyprus.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Brisbane hosts landmark celebration of Greek Macedonian heritage

The Pan Macedonian Federation of Australia held its inaugural conference, accompanied by a spirited dinner dance and Annual General Meeting.

Paroula’s Greek dancing group holds vibrant end-of-year celebration in Lakemba

Lakemba was alive with the rhythm of Greek tradition, as Paroula's dance group delivered a spectacular performance.

Greek Consul General in Melbourne honoured at GACL’s AGM

On Sunday, December 1, the Greek Australian Cultural League held their Annual General Meeting at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

Steve Maras appointed Chair of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency

Steve Maras, a prominent figure in the city property sector, has been appointed as the new chair of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.

Nicos Andrianakis leads historic $272 million Uber settlement in Australia

Nicos Andrianakis, a former taxi driver, has successfully led a $272 million settlement against Uber, approved by the Victorian Supreme Court.

You May Also Like

Vangelis Marinakis diagnosed with coronavirus with Olympiacos matches to be played behind closed doors

Greek shipowner and president of Olympiacos Football Club, Vangelis Marinakis, has contracted the spreading COVID-19 virus, he communicated on Tuesday through his Facebook account .

Excellence without unscrupulous expediency

Man needs to enjoy the appropriate recognition of his social environment as an endorsement of his struggle.

Jordan Lambropoulos: First person in Australia to have stem-cell transplant for Crohn’s

Greek Australian, Jordan Lambropoulos is the first person in Australia to receive stem-cell transplant for Crohn's disease.