Metapolitefsi: What Happened
The Metapolitefsi, meaning change of regime, is the name given to the transition from military dictatorship to democracy in Greece that began after the fall of the junta in July 1974. It is also used more broadly for the whole democratic period that followed. Under the leadership of Konstantinos Karamanlis, the new government moved quickly to restore democratic life. Political prisoners were released, press freedom was restored, and exiles returned home. The Communist Party of Greece, banned since 1947, was legalized, ending decades of exclusion of the left from political life. The first free elections in more than a decade were held on 17 November 1974, the anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising, and were won by Karamanlis's new party, New Democracy. In December 1974, a referendum abolished the monarchy, and in 1975 a new democratic constitution was adopted. The leaders of the junta were put on trial and convicted. The Metapolitefsi is widely regarded as one of the most successful transitions to democracy in Europe, and it began the longest period of stable democracy in modern Greek history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metapolitefsi?
The Metapolitefsi, meaning change of regime, is the transition from military dictatorship to democracy in Greece that began in July 1974.
When were the first free elections after the junta?
The first free elections were held on 17 November 1974, the anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising, and were won by New Democracy.
Was the Communist Party legalized in 1974?
Yes. The Communist Party of Greece, banned since 1947, was legalized in 1974, ending decades of exclusion of the left from political life.
What changes did the Metapolitefsi bring?
Political prisoners were released, press freedom restored, exiles returned, the monarchy was abolished and a new democratic constitution was adopted in 1975.
Why is the Metapolitefsi important?
It is widely seen as one of Europe's most successful transitions to democracy and began the longest period of stable democracy in modern Greek history.
