Tuesday’s celebration of OXI day is one of two annual events in which Greece seeks to remind itself of its historic record of resistance to oppression. As is well known, the term derives from the rejection by the Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas of an ultimatum from the Italian leader Benito Mussolini. According to Wikipedia, the ultimatum was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador to Greece Emanuele Grazzi, who had just come from a party in the Italian embassy in Athens, shortly after 3.00 am on 28th October 1940. It demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified ‘strategic locations’ or otherwise face war. Metaxas replied, in the diplomatic French of the day, ‘Alors, c’est la guerre!’ Word of his bold refusal spread swiftly through Athens, inspiring the citizens to flood the streets, chanting “Oxi!” (No!).

The second anniversary is of course Independence Day (25^th March), which celebrates Greece’s achievement of independence from the Ottomans, who had ruled the country for four centuries. The date, which coincides with the feast of the Annunciation, was chosen by Alexander Ypsilanton, leader of the Filiki Eteria – the secret organisation devoted to the overthrow of Ottoman rule – as a means of “evangelising the political liberation of the Hellenic nation” (Wikipedia).

The term is apt, as both events, marked by parades and flag waving all over the country, are an opportunity for citizens to show their appreciation of the military and the part it has played in keeping Greece’s enemies at bay, and to teach successive generations of school children some vital facts of Greek history while encouraging in them a benevolent form of nationalism.

In an era when there is a general trend towards populism, respect for the rule of law is being weakened and authoritarian rulers are rising in popularity around the world, Greece’s example is a useful reminder to those outside its borders. Greece knows well the perils of fascism. In the 20^th century it survived, at major cost, the German occupation of World War II, and the Regime of the Colonels (the Junta) from 1967 to 1974, which was characterised by policies such as anti-communism, restrictions on civil liberties and the imprisonment, torture, and exile of political opponents.

More recently the ultra-nationalist Chrysi Avgi (“Golden Dawn”) became the third largest party in Parliament in the 2015 elections, and only faded from popularity after the murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas by one of its members in 2013, and the subsequent trial and imprisonment of its leaders as forming a criminal organisation. In the period 2015-2019 Greece also flirted with left-wing populism, electing the SYRIZA party under Alexis Tsipras, a period which by general consent did little to improve the country’s fortunes.

Such trends are the result of social and economic instability, leading voters to seek leaders who offer easy solutions to complex problems. If the strain is for the moment in abeyance in Greece, it may be because the country appears to be on a path to relative prosperity and wellbeing, but that does not mean that it may not resurface. The current government’s often repeated assertions that Greece stands for democracy and the rule of law, while partly aimed at the expansionist ambitions of Turkey under President Erdogan, are also a useful reminder of where the country needs to stand if its current progress is to be maintained.

OXI day celebrations

In Thessaloniki
OXI day this year was marked as always by major parades in Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as more modest ones throughout the country, not least on the remoter islands. The parade in Thessaloniki, attended by both the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President Konstantinos Tasoulas as well as the the Ministers of Defence for both Greece and Cyprus, was used as an opportunity to show off advanced warfare systems including drones and anti-drone and AI-enabled systems. They were the first appearance of weaponry which is part of a radical overhaul of the Armed Forces extending to the year 2030, being overseen by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. A 3-hour video of the whole parade with commentary (in Greek) from ERT can be seen on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmJY-Uhjh9Q&t=5064s

In Athens
In Athens, there was a strong contingent from schools in the parade, which was attended by the Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki on behalf of the government. In addition to pupils from Athens schools, the Special Olympics team of Greece, the Lyceum Club of Greek Women, and boy and girl scouts were also represented. In a short address after the parade, Ms Zacharaki said: “The 28th October reminds us that freedom is not given – we win it with belief, unity and spirit. Today we remember those who, in the face of fear and threats, asserted their moral stature. Who said a great NO to fascism and a great YES to democracy, freedom and the ideals of Greece. With respect for the past and belief in the future, we hold Greece high – strong, free and proud. A Greece which defends its rights, creates development, gives prospects and hope to its children.”
(Ministry of Education)

In Chania
The celebrations in Chania began with the customary service at the city’s Cathedral, continued with the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial in the Park of Peace and Friendship behind the Clock Tower, and culminated in a parade down Andreas Papandreou Street, past the Agora and towards the Old Harbour. The Government was represented by the Deputy Minister for Immigration and Chania MP Sevi Voloudaki.

Following the official service of commemoration, which was presided over by the Acting Metropolitan Amphilochios, local political leaders spoke of the importance of OXI Day and the messages of its connection with today.

Deputy Immigration Minister Sevi Voloudaki said that it was: “A day of celebration for all Greeks when Ioannis Metaxas, but also our whole people said ’NO’. They said ‘NO’ to the conquerors. They said ‘NO’ to fascism and absolutism. By resisting they gave a noble example, so that all their friends throughout the world could say that heroes fight like Greeks.” [In a BBC speech given during the first days of the Greco-Italian war, which followed Metaxas’ refusal, Winston Churchill said: “Until now we used to say that the Greeks fight like heroes. Now we shall say: Heroes fight like Greeks.”]

Continuing, she stressed that this struggle is “An example for us all, to keep alive the memory of this historic day, because freedom is not to be taken for granted. Freedom is won with effort, with sacrifices, and we must all keep alive within us the example of those men who sacrificed themselves, and if necessary, whenever necessary, to do the same ourselves.”

Deputy Regional Governor Nikos Kalogeris said that on this day the nation honours “those men who made us proud in 1940 and created an epic story for our people. An epic in which despite the great political disputes of the time, the people united to give battle in Albania, on our frontiers. This demonstrates the force of unity, and from their example we must take [the same example] ourselves today: that despite the differences which divide us and whatever our antagonisms and divisions, when there is a serious problem Greece must unite in giving the fight for the homeland and for freedom.

The mayor of Chania Panagiotis Simandirakis said “We are here to honour, to reflect on the messages of the great ‘NO’ and at a personal and collective level for each of us to say their own small or great ‘NO’ so that we can move forward as a community.” There were written messages in a similar vein from Chania MP Dora Bakogianni, the Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnautakis and the mayors of Apokoronas Haralambos Koukianakis and Kissamos Giorgos Mylonakis. In the words of the latter:
“… Today we honour the heroes who with bravery and self-sacrifice fought to defend freedom and dignity and national independence. Their sacrifice constitutes a beacon of ideas which we have a duty to keep alive in our collective memory and actions. The example of our ancestors inspires us to go on with responsibility, decisiveness and hope.”