The speech of the President of the Republic
The President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, began his speech by honoring the “Birthday Day of the Hellenic Republic” and expressing profound respect to all the citizens who resisted dictatorship. He stressed that the July 24th is turning up For Hellenism, marking the consolidation of democratic institutions and the full integration of the country into the developed world, a process that culminated in Greece’s introduction to European communities. Attributed these successes to the iconic leader, Konstantinos Karamanlis.
Mr Tasoulas emphasized that the 51 years since the restoration of democracy offer the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on the “constant dialogue between the past and the present”. This mental exercise is vital to teaching and understanding today’s challenges, such as the climate crisis, international economic instability and the geopolitical pressures facing Greece.
The “Tragic Seven Years” and the Cyprus
Referring to the seven -year dictatorship, the president described it not only as a constitutional diversion but also as a “multifaceted regression”, which jeopardized the country’s historical orientation and social cohesion, leading to international disrespect.
He stressed that the collapse of the military regime came as a result of the “junta policy on the Cyprus issue”, with the invasion of the Turkish army and the illegal occupation of 37% of the Cypriot territory. He emphasized that the Cyprus issue remains a “open wound” and Nicosia the last divided capital of Europe, stating the decisive support of Hellenism in Cyprus until the final justification, with the necessary condition for the withdrawal of the occupation troops.
The contribution of Constantine Karamanlis
Mr. Tasoulas referred to the return of Constantine Karamanlis on the night of July 23, 1974 as a moment of complete symbols, where all the hopes of the Greek people gathered. Karamanlis, he said, did not suffice in short -term management but sought to permanent resolution of problems who were shaking the Greek political system.
He underlined the “stormy pace of developments” of the time: the immediate abolition of dictatorial “constitutional arrangements”, the return of the army to its institutional role, the legalization of the parties (including the KKE), the exemplary elections of November 1974, the 1974 and the adoption of the “most fascinating, modern and democratic constitution” in June 1975. The 1975 Constitution, as the longest -serving charter, remains the basis of democratic system.
The President of the Republic highlighted the two pillars on which the Karamanlis governments were based on the shield of the new state: reorganization of the army (after the tragic recruitment of 1974) and the Strategic Decision of Accession to European Communities. Integration in United Europe since 1981 has been an additional guarantee of Greece’s democratic government, strengthened its security and secured its social and economic development.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Tasoulas pointed out the surprise of international observers from the success and speed of the Greek transition to the Republic. He stressed that the key component of success was the Constantine Karamanlis’ obsession in the internal front sectioncultivating a mild political climate and avoiding tensions. The Transition, as a “compass for the future and national legacy”, showed that with a national front and political will, Greece changed the page.
Concluding, the president called on to maintain the post -political building steadily, so that “with unity in the great and the great that must unite us, stability in internal and international reputation, we can overcome the complexes that stand in front of us every time!”