Greek Parliament condemns MP’s reference to 1967–1974 Military Junta
Dionysis Valtogiannis, independent MP for Aetolia-Acarnania, stated during a plenary session on agricultural policy that “if you want the primary sector to survive, there are two solutions: either you resign and we go to elections, or you do what was done in March 1968 – a full write-off of farmers’ debts.” His remarks immediately sparked protests in the chamber, with MPs pointing out that 1968 fell under the rule of the military junta.
Cross-Party Condemnation
Speaking on behalf of New Democracy, MP Ioannis Oikonomou described the statement as “shameful,” stressing that it is unacceptable for a member of parliament sworn to uphold the Constitution of the Hellenic Republic to invoke actions of a dictatorship. He added that beyond its democratic crimes, the junta’s economic policies ultimately cost the country far more in the long run.
PASOK parliamentary spokesperson Dimitris Mantzos also strongly condemned the remarks, emphasizing that the seven-year dictatorship severely damaged democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and the Greek economy. “Such statements turn the clock back to dark times that must never return,” he said.
From SYRIZA, MP Kostas Barkas stated that references to the dictatorship constitute a disgrace and cannot be tolerated, even as isolated incidents. He called for the matter to be formally referred to the Speaker of Parliament and addressed by the Conference of Presidents.
Representing Course of Freedom (Plefsi Eleftherias), Alexandros Kazamias likewise described the reference as unacceptable and announced that the issue would be raised at the Conference of Presidents.
Political and Historical Sensitivity
The incident highlights the continued sensitivity surrounding Greece’s military junta, a period widely recognized for its suppression of democratic freedoms and long-term economic and institutional damage. All parliamentary parties underlined that any normalization or indirect praise of the dictatorship is incompatible with democratic values.
