The referendum held in Greece in 1973 represented a critical juncture in the nation’s political evolution. Following the 1967 military coup that led to a series of authoritarian regimes, the junta that governed Greece sought to legitimize its rule through this vote. On July 29, a notable 69% of voters opted to abolish the monarchy, profoundly changing Greece's political landscape. The royal family, particularly King Constantine II, experienced a decline in influence, and the monarchy was formally abolished, paving the way for a transition to a presidential system.

This referendum came after years of political turmoil, social unrest, and international scrutiny of the military regime. The abolition of the monarchy was framed as a necessary step for progress and stability in a country still reeling from the consequences of dictatorship. Many Greeks were eager to embrace a republican form of government that promised more democratic freedoms and civic participation. The initial results set in motion a sequence of political reforms and a gradual return to democratic governance, culminating in the eventual transition to a fully elected government by 1974.

The referendum's outcome was met with both celebration and apprehension among various segments of the population. Supporters of the republican movement heralded it as a triumph for democracy, while monarchists viewed it as a loss of national identity. Over time, however, it would be perceived as a decisive moment in the quest for a stable, democratic Greece.