PHOTO/King George II November 3
On this day, November 3, a date permanently etched in the annals of Greek political history, an event took place that, despite its overwhelming official outcome, remains a point of intense historical contention: the referendum for the restoration of the Monarchy in Greece in 1935.
With an official result of 97.8% in favour of recalling the exiled King George II, this process not only overturned the Second Hellenic Republic established in 1924 but effectively laid the groundwork for one of the country's most authoritarian regimes.
The year 1935 found Greece at a crossroads, reeling from a decade of political instability, military interventions, and the deep, toxic rift left by the National Schism (Ethnikos Dichasmos). The Second Hellenic Republic, conceived with democratic aspirations, had failed to deliver stability, suffering under consecutive coups and counter-coups.
The Historical Context: A Republic Under Siege
Following the disastrous Asia Minor Campaign in 1922, the monarchy of the Glücksburg dynasty was abolished in 1924. However, the subsequent years of the Republic were marked by a power struggle between the Venizelist pro-republic and anti-Venizelist (pro-royalist) factions, with the military often acting as the decisive political arbiter.
The turning point came in March 1935, with the failed Venizelist coup. The government, led by the anti-Venizelist General Georgios Kondylis (ironically, a former Venizelist himself), seized the opportunity. Using the failed coup as a pretext to consolidate power, the Kondylis administration began purging the military and civil service of republican officers and officials.
By October 1935, Kondylis, convinced of the need to restore order through the Monarchy, took a decisive step. On October 10, he overthrew the President of the Republic, Alexandros Zaimis, declared himself Regent, and promptly announced a referendum on the form of government. The choice was clear: the return of King George II (Monarchy) or the continuation of the Republic.
The Referendum of November 3: A Travesty of Democracy
The electoral process on November 3, 1935, was anything but free and fair. It was a calculated display of power by the ruling military faction intended to secure a mandate of overwhelming popular support for the King’s return.
Atmosphere of Intimidation: The referendum was conducted under a climate of severe repression and military intimidation. The Venizelist opposition, led by key republican figures, chose to abstain from the vote, arguing that the conditions were fundamentally undemocratic. This boycott essentially ceded the electoral ground to the pro-royalist forces.
Lack of Secrecy: Voting was done openly, using two distinct ballots: Red for the Republic (Αβασίλευτη Δημοκρατία) and Blue (Κυανό) for the Monarchy (Βασιλευόμενη Δημοκρατία). With state officials, police, and military personnel present at polling stations, choosing the red ballot was a dangerous act of dissent, exposing the voter to potential repercussions. Reports from the time detail widespread abuse, coercion, and voters being forced to display their choice.
The Official Results and Fraud: The figures released by the Ministry of the Interior were staggering and immediately raised international suspicion:
In favour of the Monarchy: 1,491,992 votes (97.8%)
In favour of the Republic: 32,454 votes (2.2%)
The ludicrous margin of victory, in a nation so evenly split between royalists and republicans, confirmed the pervasive electoral fraud. Historical accounts indicate blatant manipulation, including instances where the number of votes for the Monarchy in certain constituencies exceeded the total number of registered voters. The result was a political absurdity, a hollow triumph that discredited the entire process and forever cast a shadow over the return of the dynasty.
The Immediate Aftermath: From Referendum to Dictatorship
King George II returned to Greece on November 25, 1935. Recognizing the toxicity of Kondylis’s methods, his first act was to distance himself from the General, removing him from power. The King sought to restore some semblance of political normality.
Political Stalemate: George II granted a general amnesty and appointed a caretaker government under Konstantinos Demertzis, leading to elections in January 1936. However, these elections resulted in a parliamentary deadlock, with royalist and anti-royalist factions holding virtually equal power. The balance was held by the Communist Party (KKE) and its allies (the Popular Front), with 15 seats, creating an ungovernable situation.
The Metaxas Appointment: Amidst this crisis and the sudden deaths of key political figures (including Venizelos and Kondylis), the political landscape rapidly destabilized. In April 1936, King George II appointed Ioannis Metaxas as Prime Minister.
The highly dubious mandate secured on November 3, 1935, provided the necessary legal façade for the King to exercise extra-parliamentary authority. On August 4, 1936, using the pretext of an anticipated labour strike, Metaxas, with the explicit approval and support of George II, suspended key articles of the Constitution, dissolved the Parliament, and established the authoritarian regime of the 4th of August.
November 3, 1935, is not just the date of the restoration of the Monarchy; it is the day that exposed the tragic failure of interwar Greece to achieve political equilibrium and democratic maturity. The fraudulent referendum served as a catastrophic precedent, allowing a fragile democracy to be overthrown by military maneuvering and electoral abuse.
