Dimitrios Kiousopoulos, Greek jurist and politician, 151st Prime Minister of Greece (b. 1892)

Dimitrios Kiousopoulos (Greek: Δημήτριος Κιουσόπουλος) was a highly influential figure in 20th-century Greek public life, renowned for his distinguished career as a jurist and his brief but pivotal tenure as the caretaker Prime Minister of Greece in 1952.

Early Life and Distinguished Legal Career

Born on November 17, 1892, in the picturesque town of Andritsaina, located within the Elis regional unit in the historic Peloponnese peninsula of Greece, Dimitrios Kiousopoulos embarked on his successful legal career in 1917. His early professional life laid the groundwork for his future prominence in the Greek judicial system.

Post-World War II: Public Prosecutor and the Cham Issue

Following the devastating period of World War II and the Axis occupation of Greece (1941-1944), Kiousopoulos assumed a crucial role as a Public Prosecutor. In this capacity, he became deeply involved in the post-war legal proceedings concerning the expulsion of the Chams from northern Greece. The Chams were a Muslim population of Albanian descent primarily residing in the Epirus region, many of whom had been documented as enthusiastic collaborators with the occupying Axis powers, particularly the German and Italian forces, during the war. Their actions often involved participation in atrocities against the Greek population and anti-resistance activities.

The post-war Greek government initiated legal and administrative measures to address the issue of collaboration and perceived disloyalty, leading to the forced displacement of the Cham population. Within these complex and politically charged trials, Kiousopoulos, as a Public Prosecutor, was instrumental in bringing collaborators to justice. His involvement led to:

• Sentencing of 178 individuals to death.
• Sentencing of 370 individuals to life imprisonment.
• Sentencing of approximately 1,950 individuals to death in absentia, meaning they were convicted while not present, having likely fled the country.

These severe judgments underscore the gravity with which post-war Greece dealt with collaboration during a period marked by national reconstruction and the onset of the Greek Civil War.

Prosecutor for the Supreme Court (Areios Pagos)

Dimitrios Kiousopoulos's legal acumen and dedication led him to one of the highest judicial offices in Greece. From 1950 to 1961, he served as the Prosecutor for the Supreme Court, known in Greece as the Areios Pagos. The Areios Pagos is the highest judicial court in the country, responsible for ensuring the correct application of law and the consistency of judicial rulings across all lower courts. His long tenure in this prestigious role solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Greek jurisprudence.

Caretaker Prime Minister of Greece (1952)

In 1952, Greece experienced a period of political transition and instability, characteristic of its post-war political landscape. Following the resignation or removal from office of Nikolaos Plastiras, who had served as Prime Minister during a challenging period, Dimitrios Kiousopoulos was called upon to assume the critical role of caretaker Prime Minister of Greece. A caretaker government is typically appointed to manage the affairs of state during an interim period, often before general elections, ensuring continuity and impartiality without implementing major policy changes.

Kiousopoulos's premiership lasted for 39 days, from October 11 to November 19, 1952. His primary responsibility during this brief term was to oversee the general elections. These elections culminated in a significant victory for General Alexander Papagos and his newly formed political party, the Greek Rally (Ellinikos Synagermos), which marked a shift in the country's political direction.

Kiousopoulos's short tenure as Prime Minister places him in a unique category within Greek political history. He is one of only 17 individuals to have served as Prime Minister for less than 40 days, highlighting periods of particular political fluidity or transitional arrangements. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the sole Prime Minister to serve for such a brief period during the entire decade of the 1950s.

Later Life and Legacy

Dimitrios Kiousopoulos passed away on January 20, 1977, in Athens, the capital of Greece. His legacy encompasses his significant contributions to the Greek legal system, particularly his role in the post-war justice administration, and his brief but constitutionally vital service as a caretaker head of government.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dimitrios Kiousopoulos

Who was Dimitrios Kiousopoulos?

Dimitrios Kiousopoulos was a prominent Greek jurist and politician who notably served as the caretaker Prime Minister of Greece in 1952.

When was Dimitrios Kiousopoulos born and where?

He was born on November 17, 1892, in Andritsaina, Elis, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece.

What was his role regarding the Cham issue after World War II?

As a Public Prosecutor after WWII, Kiousopoulos was heavily involved in the legal proceedings concerning the expulsion of the Chams (Muslims of Albanian descent who had collaborated with Axis powers) from northern Greece. He oversaw trials that resulted in numerous death sentences and life imprisonments.

How long did he serve as Prime Minister?

Dimitrios Kiousopoulos served as the caretaker Prime Minister for a brief period of 39 days, from October 11 to November 19, 1952.

What was the Areios Pagos?

The Areios Pagos is the Supreme Court of Greece, and Dimitrios Kiousopoulos served as its Prosecutor from 1950 to 1961, overseeing the application of law at the highest judicial level.