The government of Ioannis Metaxas, ruling Greece from 1936 until his death in 1941, is often remembered for its conservative ideology, yet it implemented notable reforms and policies. The regime, known as the “4th of August Regime,” was a quasi-fascist dictatorship, resembling other authoritarian regimes in Europe at the time. Here are ten key achievements or actions of the Metaxas government:

1. Stabilizing Greek Politics

Before Metaxas took power, Greece was politically unstable with frequent changes in government. The Metaxas regime, although dictatorial, brought political stability after years of turmoil, including a failed monarchy and a divided republic.

2. Military Modernization and Preparedness

One of Metaxas’ most significant achievements was improving the Greek military, anticipating the threat of war in Europe. He increased defense spending, modernized equipment, developed the Greek arms industry and improved training, which played a critical role in the successful defense against the Italian invasion during World War II in 1940.

3. Social Security Reforms

Metaxas’ regime implemented comprehensive social security reforms, particularly the establishment of the Social Insurance Institute (IKA) in 1937. This provided pensions and social insurance for workers, a major step toward modernizing Greece’s welfare system.

4. Economic Development

The Metaxas government invested heavily in infrastructure projects, focusing on the construction of roads, bridges, and public works. These projects helped to modernize Greece’s transportation network and supported industrial growth and boosted the Greek economy. The regime also ignited the Greek tourism industry for the first time as an official government endeavour.

5. Agricultural Reforms

The regime promoted agriculture by enacting reforms aimed at increasing productivity and supporting rural populations. It provided subsidies, improved irrigation systems, and introduced modern farming techniques to boost production, essential for a largely agrarian economy.

6. Cultural and Educational Reforms

Metaxas implemented policies aimed at promoting a nationalistic Greek identity, which included efforts to reform education. The regime revised school curricula to emphasize Greek history, language, and patriotism. Although these efforts were ideologically driven, they had a lasting impact on Greek education.

7. Labor Rights and Worker Protections

Despite being a right-wing regime, Metaxas implemented various measures to protect workers. This included setting a minimum wage, introducing limits on working hours, and establishing compulsory arbitration in labor disputes. These labor protections were quite progressive for the time.

8. Strong National Defense Doctrine

Metaxas is most famously remembered for his refusal of the Italian ultimatum on October 28, 1940 (the “Ohi Day”), which led to Greece’s participation in World War II on the side of the Allies. His strategic defense plans, particularly fortifications along the Bulgarian border (the appropriately named ‘Metaxas Line’), were key in delaying Axis advances and protecting Greece from rapid occupation.

9. National Unity and Suppression of Political Extremes

Metaxas suppressed both communist and royalist factions to maintain national unity. His regime, while repressive, avoided extreme polarization and created a centralized state focused on the notion of a unified Greek identity (albeit through the persecution of minorities), which was crucial as Europe edged toward war.

10. Neutrality and Diplomatic Maneuvering (Pre-WWII)

Before the outbreak of World War II, Metaxas successfully kept Greece neutral, navigating the complex international situation by balancing relationships with Italy, Germany, and the Allies. This neutrality allowed Greece to prepare militarily while avoiding early involvement in the war.

 

Though the regime was conservative on the surface, its efforts and deep reforms in modernizing the military, labor rights, social security, and infrastructure contributed to lasting changes in Greek society and helped the country prepare for the challenges of World War II. However, the regime’s suppression of civil liberties, political freedoms, and its fascist leanings also cast a shadow over these achievements.

 

– Article by Andreas Markessinis