Constitution of 1975: What Happened
In June 1975, Greece adopted a new constitution, establishing the country as a parliamentary republic following the fall of the military junta and the abolition of the monarchy. It was drafted by the parliament elected in November 1974, in which New Democracy, the party of Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis, held a large majority. The constitution guaranteed a wide range of individual and social rights, including freedom of speech, the press, religion and assembly, equality before the law, and rights to education, health and work. It created a parliamentary system of government, with a prime minister responsible to parliament and a president elected by parliament as head of state. The first version gave the president considerable powers, which the opposition refused to support. In 1986, the constitution was revised to reduce the powers of the president, strengthening the parliamentary character of the system. It has been revised several times since, most recently in 2019. The Constitution of 1975 remains in force today and has provided the foundation of the longest period of stable democratic government in Greek history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the current Greek constitution adopted?
The current Constitution of Greece was adopted in June 1975, following the fall of the junta and the abolition of the monarchy.
What kind of government does the 1975 constitution create?
It establishes a parliamentary republic, with a prime minister responsible to parliament and a president elected by parliament as head of state.
What rights does the Greek constitution protect?
It guarantees freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly, equality before the law, and rights to education, health and work.
Has the 1975 constitution been changed?
Yes. It was revised in 1986 to reduce the president's powers, and again several times since, most recently in 2019.
Is the 1975 constitution still in force?
Yes. The Constitution of 1975 remains in force and has provided the foundation for the longest period of stable democracy in Greek history.
