After the last post about the top 10 achievements of the Metaxas government, time to counter-balance that with an article with the 10 most important downsides of the 4th of August Regime:

 

1. Abolition of Democracy

One of the most immediate consequences of the regime was the complete suspension of democratic institutions. Parliament was dissolved, political parties were banned, and elections were canceled indefinitely. Metaxas ruled by royal decree, eliminating the core elements of parliamentary democracy.

2. Brutal Political Repression

The regime launched an aggressive campaign against communists, leftists, and dissenters. Thousands were arrested, imprisoned, exiled to remote islands, or subjected to torture. The notorious “Asfaleia” (Security Police), modeled on the Gestapo, monitored and persecuted perceived enemies of the state, creating a pervasive climate of fear.

3. Censorship and Propaganda

A strict censorship apparatus controlled all forms of expression. Newspapers, books, music, and theater were censored, and state propaganda glorified Metaxas and the regime. The press was purged of opposition voices, and all publications had to conform to state ideology.

4. Cult of Personality

Metaxas promoted a personalist regime centered around his image as the “National Father.” Posters, statues, and slogans reinforced his authority. The regime’s ideology revolved around the concept of the “Third Hellenic Civilization,” blending nationalism, Orthodox Christianity, and authoritarianism with a glorified image of ancient Sparta.

5. Suppression of Political Pluralism

By banning all political parties and eliminating public debate, the regime stifled political pluralism. This had long-term consequences for Greece’s political development, as the country was left with a void in democratic political culture and institutional maturity.

6. Forced Indoctrination of Youth

The regime created the Ethniki Organosi Neolaias (EON), a youth organization designed to indoctrinate Greek youth with regime ideology. Participation was not always voluntary, and the organization mirrored the fascist youth corps in Italy and Germany. It replaced free education with ideological training focused on obedience, nationalism, and militarism.

7. Lack of Economic Reform

While the regime claimed to be anti-capitalist and anti-communist, it failed to introduce meaningful economic reforms. Though it promoted state intervention in certain areas and infrastructure projects, it did not tackle Greece’s structural economic problems, such as rural poverty, inequality, and industrial underdevelopment.

8. Marginalization of Minorities

The regime promoted a homogenized vision of Hellenic identity, which led to the suppression of linguistic, religious, and ethnic minorities such as the Slavic speakers of Macedonia, the Vlachs, and Albanians. Minority languages and cultural expressions were banned, and national assimilation policies were enforced.

9. Militarization of Society

Inspired by fascist models, the regime militarized civil life. Military-style uniforms, parades, and state rituals became common in schools and public institutions. Citizens were encouraged to adopt a warrior ethos, contributing to a rigid and hierarchical society with little tolerance for dissent or diversity.

10. Legacy of Authoritarianism

Perhaps one of the most lasting negative effects was the normalization of authoritarianism. The regime laid ideological groundwork later drawn upon by right-wing factions in the Greek Civil War and even during the 1967-1974 military junta. The 4th of August Regime left a deep scar on Greek political culture that persisted for decades.

 

The Metaxas regime is thus remembered for its authoritarianism, repression, and efforts to reshape Greek society through force and indoctrination, leaving a legacy of curtailed freedoms and delayed democratic progress.