Monarchy Referendum of 1974: What Happened
On 8 December 1974, Greeks voted in a referendum on whether to keep the monarchy or become a republic. It was the first free vote on the question in Greek history, as earlier referendums in 1924, 1935 and 1946 had been held under disputed or controlled conditions. King Constantine II had been in exile since his failed counter-coup against the junta in December 1967, and the junta had itself abolished the monarchy in 1973 in a referendum widely seen as rigged. After the fall of the dictatorship, Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis decided that the people should decide the question freely. Karamanlis remained neutral during the campaign. Constantine was not allowed to return to Greece but made his case through television broadcasts from London. Many Greeks associated the monarchy with political interference, the events of 1965, and its failure to prevent the 1967 coup. About 69 percent voted for a republic, and the monarchy was abolished. Constantine accepted the result. He later returned to live in Greece and died in Athens in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Greece abolish the monarchy?
Greece abolished the monarchy in a referendum on 8 December 1974, in which about 69 percent voted for a republic.
Why did Greeks vote against the monarchy?
Many Greeks associated the monarchy with political interference, the crisis of 1965 and its failure to prevent the 1967 coup.
Could King Constantine campaign in the referendum?
Constantine was not allowed to return to Greece but made his case through television broadcasts from London.
Was the 1974 referendum fair?
Yes. It was the first free vote on the monarchy in Greek history, unlike the disputed or controlled referendums of 1924, 1935, 1946 and 1973.
Did King Constantine accept the result?
Yes. Constantine accepted the result. He later returned to live in Greece and died in Athens in 2023.
