6 - Reconstructing Greece as a European State: Venizelos' Last Premiership, 1928–32

Summary

DOMESTIC ASPECTS

Re-entry into politics

In May 1928, Venizelos staged a come-back in politics despite his oft-stated commitment never to do so. The survivor of the great duel that had rocked the Greek state and the country's society since 1915 was fully aware of the tremendous symbolism of his act. For nearly two decades his name defined the principal cleavage in Greek politics. His presence in the political arena was likely to rekindle old passions and open old sores.

The elder statesman had returned to Greece in April 1927. He stayed at Chania, in his native Crete, and repeatedly stated his intention not to return to politics. He did, however, express interest in public affairs, particularly through letters to Georgios Kafantaris, the leader of the Progressive liberals and minister of finance in the coalition government of Alexandros Zaimis. Venizelos' practice proved extremely irritating to his former lieutenant. Failing to secure the unconditional endorsement of his policy, Kafantaris stepped down from the party leadership and resigned his cabinet post. The majority of his followers decided to throw in their lot with Venizelos.

In a brief statement issued on 23 May 1928, Venizelos announced his decision to resume the leadership of the reconstituted Liberal Party. His reentry was a far cry from his meteoric advent in the aftermath of the 1909 military coup. He envisaged his new role as stabilising, if not outright conservative.