Mitsotakis: 50th Anniversary of Democracy Marks a New Beginning for Greece

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commemorated the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece with a heartfelt speech at a special parliamentary session on Wednesday.

Emphasising the historical significance of the event, Mitsotakis stated, “On the 50th anniversary since the restoration of Democracy to the country that gave birth to it, I wanted to be in the Parliament, in the place that the dictatorship desecrated for 7 years.”

Reflecting on Greece‘s turbulent past under the junta, Mitsotakis highlighted the resilience and courage of the Greek people who upheld democratic ideals during those dark times. He praised Konstantinos Karamanlis, the leader who spearheaded Greece’s transition to democracy and managed the national crisis following the Cyprus conflict.

Mitsotakis drew attention to the parallel anniversaries of democracy’s restoration and the founding of New Democracy, underscoring the party’s enduring commitment to progress. “The compass of the party shows only ahead. We have been following this fundamental mandate for five decades, marching side by side with Greece,” he remarked, celebrating Greece’s integration into the European Union, a milestone also achieved under Karamanlis.

He recounted the significant transformations over the past 50 years: the establishment of a stable parliamentary system, the peaceful transition of power among various parties, the revival of genuine patriotism, and substantial economic development supported by European partnerships. “During this half century, a lot has changed in our country with the contribution of many political forces,” Mitsotakis noted.

He called for renewed unity in pursuing national goals and fostering rapid European convergence. He emphasised that Greece is on a path of continuous improvement, stating, “Just as in 2023 the country was better than in 2019, so in 2027 it will be better than today.”

In his closing remarks, Mitsotakis expressed his hope that this 50th anniversary would be a catalyst for future progress. “May the 50-year anniversary since the return of democracy become a starting point for a better public life and a better Greece,” he concluded.