Georgios Papandreou, the “Old Man of Democracy”, passed away today, in 1968. He was one of the most emblematic and charismatic personalities of the modern Greek political scene, establishing the concept of democratisation in an era full of political challenges and social upheavals. Born in 1888 in Kalendzi, Achaia, in a family with a strong political tradition, he showed from an early age his commitment to democracy and social justice. His legal studies in Athens and their continuation in Germany gave him access to the liberal and progressive ideas of the time, which became the foundation stone of his political career. Starting as a lawyer, he attracted attention for his determination and social sensitivity, qualities that led him to be appointed prefect of Lesvos in 1917 by Eleftherios Venizelos.

In the years of his first term of office, Papandreou was faced with enormous challenges. In 1944, in the turbulent days of World War II and armed conflict, he took over as prime minister for the first time in a divided and weakened Greece. Faced with the Civil War and pressures from all sides, Papandreou chose a path of conflict with the communists, seeking to lay the foundations of a unified and stable democracy. He was committed to the values of freedom and parliamentarianism, promoting measures of reconstruction and support for citizens at a time when the country was being tested by conflict and internal tensions. His policies asserted the strengthening of parliamentary power, in the belief that the separation of powers was necessary for a strong democracy.

In the 1960s, Papandreou made a dynamic return to the political scene with the founding of the Centre Union, a political party that was to play a leading role in the history of modern Greece. The Centre Union united the people around the vision of ‘Change’, promoting a series of social reforms such as educational reconstruction and the expansion of democracy. Among the milestones of his term of office was the effort to establish free public education and to increase opportunities for the weaker social classes, a stance that gave hope to the common people and gave a new perspective to Greek society.

One of the most interesting incidents of his career occurred in the 1964 elections, when the Centre Union achieved a majority, securing a strong popular mandate for reform. At the time, the backstage between Papandreou’s government and the royal court was intense. A typical legend of the time has Papandreou, during a disagreement with King Constantine, intensely externalizing his opposition to royal privileges, saying: “The people gave us the mandate, and the people will give us the power”. This statement, even if it was never said in this particular way, illustrates his fierce opposition to the royal involvement in political life, which had deeply divided Greek society.

The conflict with King Constantine culminated in the ‘Apostasy’ of 1965, a political rift that brought Greece to a standstill and eventually led to the imposition of the junta in 1967. The tension between Papandreou and the King is reflected in another incident when, during a meeting between the two, Papandreou is said to have warned the then young King that “democracy does not retreat”, insisting that the future of the country belonged to a parliamentary and open constitution. With the junta seizing power, Papandreou was placed under restraint, but his insistence on the freedom and integrity of democracy continued to inspire the Greek people, who recognized him as a true symbol instead of a symbol of democracy.

Until the end of his life, Papandreou maintained his devotion to the idea of democracy, proving that he was not only a charismatic politician, but also a man with an unquenchable passion for freedom and equality. In 1968, the ‘Old Man of Democracy’ breathed his last, but his work and legacy remain alive. He did not see the fall of the dictatorship, but his dedication to democracy and his constant insistence on justice remained as a legacy, inspiring subsequent fighters and politicians, including his son Andreas Papandreou, who in turn shaped the country’s modern political scene.

George Papandreou’s legacy is preserved today as a reminder of his unremitting struggle for democracy and freedom, underlining that true democracy is built through sacrifice, dedication and an unyielding faith in the people and their needs. The “Old Man of Democracy” remains a symbol of an era and a source of inspiration for every generation seeking freedom, equality and a just society.