JULY 24TH 1974 THE DAY DEMOCRACY WAS RESTORED IN GREECE

  

 

 

The first days between July 29^th and July 24^th 1974 were the most turbulent and the most decisive in modern Greek history.  The illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the collapse of the 7-year junta, and the birth of the Hellenic Republic all took place within that short period.

One day later Constandinos Karamanlis, self-exiled in Paris arrived in Greece arrived on an airplane belonging to French President Valerie  Giscard d’Estaing, Karamanls immediately formed  a government of national unity to heal the wounds of the hated seven-year-old military rule, making some quick decisive moves.

 

It was the dawn of July 24^th when Karamanlis arrived with thousands of people waiting for him, holding lit white candles, chanting “Eleftheria” (Freedom).  People were dancing and celebrating all over Greece.

 

The 24^th of July is celebrated each year in Greece with pomp and show with parades and garden parties, but not for the last years  due to the coronavirus     

The President of the Hellenic Republic Mrs. Sakerallopoulou and Greek Prime Minster Mitsotakis meet for a quiet celebration.