Constantine II of Greece

Constantine II (Greek ???????????? ?', born June 2, 1940), was the last King of Greece from March 6, 1964 to June 1, 1973. His official title was King of the Hellenes (???????? ??? ???????).

Abolition of the Monarchy

The monarchy continued in his absence under regents. In 1973, the predominatly royalist Hellenic Navy staged an abortive attempt to overthrow the military regime. The military regime subsequently retaliated by abolishing the monarchy and declaring a republic. In 1974, the new democratic regime under Constantine Karamanlis held a second democratic referendum, which confirmed the monarchy's abolition, with the monarchy receiving only one third of all votes cast. Constantine Karamanlis who had just won a resounding victory (54% of the vote in a general election) had formally declared his neutrality in the referendum, although he was rumoured to be against the monarchy. However, many voters of his party were traditionally in favour the monarchy and it is certain that those who voted for the monarchy had previously voted for Karamanlis. All other parties represented in Parliament had declared for a republic. Both the centrists and the left of centre PASOK, who considered themselves heirs of the Venizelist tradition, as well as the communist left, were historically against the monarchy. Opponents of the monarchy ridiculed Constantine's personality, the fact that he swore in the junta government in 1967, and his reluctance to sever all ties with the junta once in exile. In addition, the opposition collectively blamed Constantine II for the serious political crisis that had led to the coup in the first place. Proponents of the monarchy stress that Constantine staged a counter-coup against the military regime in 1967, thus losing his throne.

Related Topics:
1973 - Hellenic Navy - Constantine Karamanlis - PASOK

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~