There are several theories suggesting that Ioannis Metaxas may have been murdered rather than dying of natural causes, as the official record states. These theories, while not widely accepted by mainstream historians, arise from the circumstances surrounding his death in January 1941, at a critical point in Greece’s history during World War II.

The theories surrounding Ioannis Metaxas’ death stem from suspicions that the official cause—phlegmon of the pharynx, a serious throat infection—may not fully explain the circumstances of his sudden demise in January 1941. According to the official account, Metaxas succumbed to complications from this infection on January 29, 1941, after suffering for several months. While his condition was known, the rapid deterioration and eventual fatality came as a shock to many, given that he had been in relatively good health. This has led to persistent speculation that his death might not have been entirely natural and that he could have been assassinated, particularly due to the critical political context of Greece during World War II.

British assassination?

One of the primary factors that fuels these suspicions is the timing of Metaxas’ death. Greece was embroiled in the Greco-Italian War (1940–1941), successfully repelling Italian forces, but with the specter of a German invasion looming on the horizon. Metaxas had been cautious in his dealings with foreign powers, particularly the British. While he accepted British military assistance in defending Greece from Italian aggression, he was also wary of becoming too entangled with British strategic interests, knowing that this could provoke a German attack. His leadership in navigating these delicate circumstances was crucial, and his hesitation to fully commit Greece to the British cause led some to wonder if his removal from power could have served the interests of the British.

Consequently, one theory suggests that British intelligence or political actors might have played a role in Metaxas’ death to remove a leader who, despite cooperating with them to an extent, was not as pliable as they wished. Metaxas had reservations about the extent of British involvement, fearing that Greece might be pulled into a more dangerous position vis-à-vis Germany. His death, some argue, may have opened the door for more compliant political leadership that would align Greece’s wartime policies more closely with British objectives. At that point, the British were keen to ensure that Greece remained in their sphere of influence, especially as they struggled to maintain control in the Mediterranean. The death of a leader who balanced Greek autonomy with cautious support of Britain might have simplified British efforts to direct the course of the war in the region.

This theory of British involvement often posits that Metaxas may have been poisoned, rather than dying from natural causes. The speed with which his condition worsened after contracting the throat infection has been pointed to as suspicious by proponents of this view. Although his medical condition was documented, some believe that the symptoms could have been artificially induced or exacerbated (perhaps through poisoning while in bed by a British agent) which would have masked the real cause of his death. Given the secretive nature of such operations, no direct evidence has ever surfaced to substantiate these claims, but they continue to circulate in Greek political and historical discourse.

Domestic rivals

Another theory revolves around domestic rivals who may have sought to eliminate Metaxas for their own political gain. By the time of his death, Metaxas had accrued numerous enemies within Greece, despite his firm grip on power. His authoritarian regime, which banned political parties, repressed opposition, and promoted a nationalist, corporatist agenda, alienated many segments of Greek society, including communists, liberals, monarchists and even local fascist extremists. All of them had good reasons to wish for Metaxas’ death.

On one side, radical Communists who had been persecuted by the 4th of August regime had every reason to resent Metaxas. As the leader of a staunchly anti-communist authoritarian regime, Metaxas repressed the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and imprisoned many of its members. Greek communists would have viewed him as a major obstacle to their revolutionary goals and the establishment of a socialist state. By removing him, they might have hoped to weaken the government’s grip on power, allowing for increased communist activity and a shift in Greece’s wartime strategy, possibly aligning more with the Soviet Union. However, the communists had been severely weakened by the repressive machinery of the formidably efficient minister Konstantinos Maniadakis, and it is doubtful they had the organization or resources to carry out such an assassination successfully.

Alternatively, it is somewhat feasible that Greek liberals, with British support, could have plotted to murder Ioannis Metaxas. Liberals in Greece, who had been sidelined by Metaxas’ authoritarian regime, opposed his suspension of democracy and his neutral stance early in World War II, and feared that Greece could align herself with Nazi Germany. The objective of such a plot would likely have been to remove Metaxas and restore democratic governance or at least install a government more openly aligned with Britain. By eliminating Metaxas, they might have hoped to facilitate British influence, ensuring Greece’s full commitment to the Allied cause and preventing further development of Metaxas’ behind-the-scenes negotiations with Hitler, which Metaxas was undertaking in secrecy.

It is also possible that Greek monarchists, including the King (who could be jealous of Metaxas’ popularity after his successful victory over Italy or even feared being replaced by him), might have considered killing Ioannis Metaxas due to his growing popularity and consolidation of power. Metaxas, despite being a supporter of the monarchy, increasingly centralized authority and bypassed traditional royal influence, which could have unsettled monarchists. The objectives of such a plot would likely include reasserting royal authority and putting an end to the Metaxas regime, which was increasingly autocratic and dominant. Metaxas’ power and popularity might have been seen as a threat to the monarchy’s role and influence, leading some monarchists to believe that removing him could restore or enhance the King’s standing and prevent further erosion of its power.

Finally, local fascist extremists could also have devised a plan to murder Metaxas. Greece’s unexpected military success against Italy, under Metaxas’ leadership, won him significant popular support but also placed Greece in direct conflict with the Axis. This stance frustrated some local fascists and ultra-nationalists who viewed collaboration with Germany and Italy as the best path for Greece. These homegrown fascists resented Metaxas’ war against Mussolini and wanted Greece to join the Axis, and their goal would be to prepare the terrain for setting up a pro-Axis government in Athens.

In this context, it is conceivable that internal opposition groups, perhaps with foreign backing, could have seen an opportunity to remove Metaxas and shift the political landscape in their favor. Although less explored than the theory of British involvement, the idea that domestic factions might have had the means and motivation to assassinate Metaxas remains a part of the broader speculation.

Conclusion

Despite these theories, no solid evidence has ever emerged to definitively prove that Metaxas was murdered. The official medical records are consistent with his death being caused by a severe throat infection, and no forensic investigation or autopsy at the time pointed to foul play. However, the atmosphere of political intrigue, both within Greece and among the major powers of World War II, has kept these theories alive. The suddenness of Metaxas’ death at such a critical juncture in Greek and European history provided fertile ground for conspiracy theories to take root, with many believing that his departure from the political scene may have served the interests of various actors, whether foreign or domestic.

The lingering doubts about the circumstances of Metaxas’ death largely reflect the turbulent political environment of the early 1940s. Greece was at the crossroads of major geopolitical forces, with both the Axis and Allied powers seeking to control its strategic position in the Mediterranean. Metaxas, who had built his regime on the ideals of national strength, independence, and resistance to foreign domination, found himself at the center of this conflict. His death, at a moment when Greece’s future was deeply uncertain, continues to invite questions about whether his removal was simply the result of unfortunate illness or the consequence of deeper, darker machinations aimed at influencing the course of the war and Greece’s role within it.

 

– Andreas Markessinis