For Greece, July 24th is a day of national celebration. Designated as Democracy Day, it marks the historic return of democratic governance on July 24, 1974, after seven years and three months of military dictatorship (1967-1974), repression, and political persecution.
The Collapse of the Junta
Just one day earlier, on the afternoon of July 23, the military regime led by Dimitrios Ioannidis crumbled under the pressure of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Facing a national crisis and international isolation, the regime handed over power to civilian political leaders.
At that critical moment, General Phaedon Gizikis, the figurehead president appointed by the outgoing junta, convened an emergency meeting. The gathering brought together military officials and prominent political figures who had played leading roles in Greece before the dictatorship.
The deliberations lasted through the night, into the early hours of July 24.
In its edition of that day, the newspaper TO BHMA reported:
“It became known that during the meeting, the Chief of the Armed Forces, General Grigorios Bonanos, informed the political leaders that the military would return to their professional duties and did not intend to interfere in the formation or function of a government.”
With that assurance, the political leadership unanimously agreed that Konstantinos Karamanlis, a former prime minister living in self-imposed exile in Paris, was the best candidate to lead a transitional government of national unity.
The Return of Karamanlis
News of Karamanlis’ return broke through an Associated Press dispatch from Paris:
“General Phaedon Gizikis, President of Greece, has invited former Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis to return from exile in Paris and assume the role of Prime Minister,” his office announced.
Karamanlis, the report stated, would lead a national unity government tasked with restoring democratic order.
The news swept across the country. Millions of Greeks poured into the streets—cheering, waving flags, and celebrating the end of dictatorship. In Athens, tens of thousands flocked to Ellinikon Airport to greet the man seen as the nation’s democratic savior.
A Nation Awaits
As Ta Nea reported on July 24:
“Ellinikon Airport opened at 6:30 p.m., just as the first crowds began arriving to welcome Karamanlis. Every space outside the old and new terminals filled with people.”
Karamanlis landed at the eastern terminal of the airport at 2:00 a.m., July 24. He then proceeded along Vouliagmenis Avenue toward central Athens.
Due to the massive crowds that had lined the route, his motorcade took nearly an hour to reach the Old Royal Palace—now housing the Presidential Office—where jubilant citizens had gathered to witness history.
Back in Power
Karamanlis arrived at General Gizikis’ office at 3:05 a.m., where a second high-level meeting between military leaders and politicians was underway, having started at 9 p.m. the previous evening. He was immediately briefed on the political situation and the ongoing Cyprus crisis.
At 4:10 a.m., the meeting ended. Karamanlis and Gizikis moved to a nearby room, where Archbishop Seraphim of Athens and All Greece was waiting to conduct the swearing-in ceremony.
Swearing-In and First Address
With President Gizikis in attendance and crowds cheering outside the palace, Konstantinos Karamanlis was sworn in as Prime Minister in the early morning hours of July 24.
Soon after, he addressed the nation in a televised speech, declaring:
“Greeks,
I assume the responsibility of governing the country under critical conditions, not only for Greece but for all Hellenism. I am fortified, however, by the belief that even the greatest difficulties can be overcome with the mobilization of our nation’s strengths and virtues.
I appeal to all of you—and especially to the youth and the Armed Forces, whose initiative opened the path to normalcy—to rise to the occasion.
National unity, harmony, and solidarity between the people and the military are imperative. So too are prudence, composure, and a deep sense of responsibility.”
