Karamanlis Returns to Lead Post-Junta Government
Konstantinos Karamanlis is invited to lead Greece's new government following the collapse of the Greek military junta. This transition marks the beginning of the metapolitefsi era, a period characterized by a move towards democracy and political stability. The change in leadership signals a significant shift for Greece, as the nation seeks to recover from years of authoritarian rule and establish a democratic framework.
Karamanlis returned from exile in France.
The junta fell due to internal dissent and Cyprus crisis.
This marks Greece's transition to democracy.
A new constitution was drafted post-junta.
What Happened?
Following a series of crises, the Greek military junta, which had been ruling since 1967, faced mounting internal dissent and external pressures. The situation intensified with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, which acted as a catalyst for the junta’s downfall. Amid chaos and growing protest, the junta lost its grip on power and was forced to resign. In this critical context, Konstantinos Karamanlis, a prominent political figure and former Prime Minister who had a background of leading Greece in the early 1960s, was invited to return from exile in France to form a new government.
Why Does it Matter?
Karamanlis' return is significant as it marked the beginning of the metapolitefsi era, which aimed to transition Greece back to a parliamentary democracy. This period saw the drafting of a new constitution and the establishment of political parties once more. The restoration of democratic governance laid the foundation for Greece’s future political landscape, influencing its alignment with Western Europe and NATO during a time of Cold War tensions.