metapolitefsi

Metapolitefsi, a Greek term literally meaning "change of regime," refers to the period in modern Greek history following the collapse of the military junta in 1974. This pivotal moment marked the transition from authoritarian rule to a democratic parliamentary republic. The junta, which had seized power in 1967, ultimately fell due to internal divisions and widespread public opposition, culminating in the Cyprus crisis of 1974.

The immediate aftermath of the junta's fall saw the return of Konstantinos Karamanlis, a prominent politician who had previously served as Prime Minister. Karamanlis was instrumental in steering the country towards democracy and establishing the Third Hellenic Republic. A referendum was held in December 1974, overwhelmingly confirming the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

The metapolitefsi era was characterized by a period of political stabilization and reconciliation. Efforts were made to address the deep societal divisions caused by the junta's rule. New political parties emerged, and a period of relative political freedom allowed for open debate and the rebuilding of democratic institutions. The legal framework was reformed, and constitutional guarantees for civil liberties were re-established. This period laid the foundation for Greece's democratic trajectory for decades to come.