Georgios Kondylis, Greek general and politician, 128th Prime Minister of Greece (b. 1878)

Georgios Kondylis, whose name in Greek is Γεώργιος Κονδύλης, was a towering figure in early 20th-century Greek history. Born on August 14, 1878, and passing away on February 1, 1936, Kondylis distinguished himself as a decorated general and an influential politician who twice held the esteemed office of Prime Minister of Greece. His decisive actions and often dramatic interventions in the nation's tumultuous political landscape earned him the memorable nickname "Keravnos," a powerful Greek term meaning "thunder" or "thunderbolt."

A Distinguished Military Career and the "Keravnos" Nickname

Before his significant foray into politics, Georgios Kondylis forged a formidable reputation as a military leader. His career commenced with service in the Cretan Revolt of 1897 and continued through the pivotal Balkan Wars (1912-1913), where his tactical acumen and bravery were first widely recognized. He further solidified his military standing during World War I and the subsequent Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), also known as the Asia Minor Campaign. It was during these intense periods that he earned the British Distinguished Service Order (DSO), a prestigious military decoration awarded for meritorious or distinguished service in war, often indicating exceptional leadership and gallantry in combat operations.

The moniker "Keravnos" was not merely a colourful epithet but a reflection of Kondylis's dynamic personality and his swift, impactful actions. It underscored his reputation for being decisive, forceful, and occasionally abrupt, embodying the raw power and suddenness associated with a thunderbolt. This nickname remained with him throughout his military and political life, symbolizing his significant and often abrupt influence on events.

Navigating the Tumultuous Political Landscape of Interwar Greece

Kondylis's transition from military general to a central political figure was characteristic of Greece's highly militarized and volatile interwar period. His political career was marked by a series of dramatic shifts and interventions, reflecting the deep divisions and ideological struggles that plagued the nascent Second Hellenic Republic and the broader 'National Schism' between Venizelists (republicans) and Royalists.

• Early Political Involvement: Following the military defeat in Asia Minor, Kondylis actively participated in the 1922 military coup that overthrew the royalist government, leading to the trial and execution of former government ministers and generals.
• Architect of the Republic: Initially a proponent of a more democratic system, he played a crucial role in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic in 1924, briefly serving as Minister of War and solidifying his republican credentials.
• Shifting Allegiances: However, his political stance was not static. Over time, disillusionment with parliamentary instability and the perceived weakness of republican governments led him to reconsider his position.
• The 1926 Coup: Kondylis himself orchestrated a coup in 1926, which, paradoxically, was aimed at stabilizing the political situation and restoring parliamentary rule after a period of military dictatorships. He temporarily served as Prime Minister, overseeing elections and then stepping down to allow for a civilian government.
• Restoration of the Monarchy: In a dramatic turn of events, in 1935, Kondylis, then holding significant political power, spearheaded another military coup that ultimately led to the controversial plebiscite endorsing the return of King George II and the restoration of the monarchy. He once again served as Prime Minister during this critical transition, effectively dismantling the very republic he had helped to establish a decade prior.

Terms as Prime Minister: Guiding Greece Through Crises

Georgios Kondylis served two significant terms as Prime Minister of Greece, each occurring during periods of profound national crisis and political uncertainty:

October 26, 1926 – December 4, 1926:

His first premiership was brief but crucial. After leading a bloodless coup to depose General Theodoros Pangalos, who had established a military dictatorship, Kondylis pledged to restore constitutional order and parliamentary democracy. He successfully organized elections, which brought back civilian rule, and then voluntarily resigned, fulfilling his promise to hand over power to a democratically elected government. This act, while stemming from a coup, was viewed by many as a necessary step towards stabilizing the deeply fractured political landscape.

October 10, 1935 – November 30, 1935:

His second term as Prime Minister marked a dramatic reversal of his earlier republican stance. Assuming power through a military coup, Kondylis declared the end of the Second Hellenic Republic and initiated the process for a plebiscite on the restoration of the monarchy. Despite widespread accusations of electoral irregularities, the plebiscite results favoured the monarchy's return, paving the way for King George II to reascend the throne. This period remains one of the most controversial chapters of his political career, fundamentally altering Greece's political structure on the eve of World War II.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgios Kondylis

What was Georgios Kondylis best known for?

Georgios Kondylis is primarily known for his dual roles as a distinguished Greek general and a highly influential politician who twice served as Prime Minister. He is also remembered for his nickname "Keravnos" and his significant, often controversial, involvement in military coups and the dramatic shifts between republicanism and monarchism in interwar Greece.

Why was Georgios Kondylis nicknamed "Keravnos"?

He was nicknamed "Keravnos," meaning "thunder" or "thunderbolt" in Greek, due to his decisive, forceful, and sometimes abrupt nature, along with his swift and impactful actions in both military and political spheres.

Did Georgios Kondylis serve in any major wars?

Yes, Georgios Kondylis participated in several major conflicts, including the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), World War I, and the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), also known as the Asia Minor Campaign.

What was the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) awarded to Kondylis?

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a prestigious military decoration awarded by the United Kingdom, recognizing officers of the armed forces for meritorious or distinguished service during wartime, often for acts of courage under fire.

What was Kondylis's role in the establishment and fall of the Second Hellenic Republic?

Kondylis played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic in 1924, initially supporting the abolition of the monarchy. However, in a significant political shift, he later orchestrated the 1935 coup that led to the plebiscite and subsequent restoration of the monarchy, effectively bringing about the end of the very republic he helped create.