HistoryData
politics1975

Constitution of Greece — fundamental law of Greece, in effect since 1974

January 1, 1975

Greece's foundational law since 1975, establishing the Third Hellenic Republic after the collapse of military rule.

Quick Facts

Year
1975
Category
politics

Key Facts

Enacted by
Fifth Revisionary Hellenic Parliament
Came into force
11 June 1975
Adopted
9 June 1975
Amendments
1986, 2001, 2008, and 2019
Constitutional history start
Greek War of Independence, 1821

By the Numbers

11
Came into force
9
Adopted
198,620,012,008
Amendments
1,821
Constitutional history start

Location

Map of Athens, GreeceMap of Athens, GreeceAthens, Greece

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The fall of the Greek military junta in 1974 ended authoritarian rule and created the political conditions necessary for democratic reconstruction. The transition, known as the Metapolitefsi, required a new legal framework to replace the institutions of the dictatorship and formally establish a republican form of government.

Event

The Fifth Revisionary Hellenic Parliament drafted and adopted the Constitution of Greece in 1974–1975. Adopted on 9 June 1975 and entering into force on 11 June 1975, the document established the legal foundations of the Third Hellenic Republic, defining the structure of government, civil liberties, and state institutions.

Consequence

The constitution has served as the supreme law of Greece since 1975, providing institutional stability through successive governments. It has been amended four times—in 1986, 2001, 2008, and 2019—adapting to evolving political, social, and European integration demands while maintaining its core republican and democratic character.

Political Outcome

Outcome

Establishment of the Third Hellenic Republic with a new constitutional framework replacing the institutions of the military junta.

Before

Military junta rule (1967–1974)

After

Parliamentary democracy under the Third Hellenic Republic

Timeline Context

Timeline around 19751975197219731974197619771978EuroBasket 1975 — 1975 edition of the FIBA EuroBasket1975 World Women's Handball Championship — 1975 edition of the World Women's Handball ChampionshipEurovision Song Contest 1975 — 20th edition of the Eurovision Song ContestSection of the Big Island of Hawaii1975 Cricket World Cup — 1975 World Cup in England1975 Formula One season — sports season1975 Copa América — 1975 edition of the Copa América association football competition1975–76 UEFA Cup — 5th season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFAconstitution-of-greece-fundamental-law-of-greece-in-effec-1975