Archbishop Makarios III Becomes President of Cyprus
December 13th, 1959
December 13th, 1959

How Long Ago?
65 years, 3 months, 2 days ago
Location
Nicosia, Cyprus
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Makarios III
Links & References
Tags
Archbishop Makarios III Becomes President of Cyprus
Archbishop Makarios III was elected as the first President of Cyprus following the island's independence from British rule. His election marked a significant transition in governance for Cyprus. The electoral victory was the culmination of years of struggle for independence and reflected a desire for self-determination among the Cypriot populace. As President, Makarios's leadership would guide Cyprus through its early years of sovereignty while balancing ethnic tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
Makarios was a key figure in independence talks.
The new constitution aimed at ethnic cooperation.
Tensions between communities would soon emerge.
He led Cyprus during a pivotal post-colonial period.
What Happened?
Archbishop Makarios III, a prominent religious leader and political figure, officially took office as the first President of Cyprus after the island gained independence from British colonial rule. His election was a pivotal moment, not just for Cyprus but for the broader geopolitics of the region during the Cold War. The decision to appoint Makarios as President stemmed from his deep involvement in the struggle for independence, advocating for the rights of the Greek Cypriots against British administration from as early as the 1950s. The independence negotiations culminated in 1959 with the Zurich and London Agreements, which created a bi-communal partnership government to accommodate both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Thus, Makarios's ascendance to the presidency was celebrated by many as a victory for national self-determination. He was noted for his vision to promote peace and cooperation among the island’s diverse communities, although various tensions would later arise during his administration.
In his inaugural address, Makarios emphasized unity and the importance of cooperation between the different ethnic groups in Cyprus, promoting a vision of peace. His leadership style garnered significant support, but he also faced challenges, particularly from those who opposed his policies concerning Turkish Cypriots. The new constitution of Cyprus provided for a power-sharing arrangement aimed at preventing any group from dominating the political landscape. However, the ensuing years saw the rise of ethnic tensions, which strained the young republic and foreshadowed subsequent political crises and division. Makarios’s early presidency laid the groundwork for Cyprus’s political identity, and he would later become a controversial figure in the turbulent politics of the island.
Why Does it Matter?
The election of Archbishop Makarios III as the first President of Cyprus is significant for several reasons. First, it marked the culmination of a long struggle for independence that resonated throughout the region, inspiring various liberation movements. Secondly, Makarios’s presidency highlighted the complex interplay of ethnic tensions, as the power-sharing arrangement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots would later unravel, leading to civil strife and division. His influence would shape Cyprus's political landscape for decades, impacting diplomatic relations in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
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