51 years ago today the youth and the entire Greek nation heroically rose up against the dictatorial rule of the military, a regime which had abolished civil liberties and had dissolved the political parties.

The junta, trying to control every aspect of politics banned student elections in universities which caused intense feelings against the dictatorship among students leading up to protests at the National Technical University of Athens.

“We students of the Higher Education Institutions swear to the name of freedom and we must fight to the end to ensure our: a) academic freedoms, b) university asylum, c) the withdrawal of all repressive laws and ordinances,” this is what the students were reciting.

At the same time, Greece marks on November 17th, 50 years from the first free elections after the post-colonial period, highlighting how important democracy and political stability are for the progress of a nation.

Today, we honor democracy, the ”Politexneion” (The University of Athens) and the legacy of the Polytechnic Uprising of 1973, a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom in Greece. This is a day that reminds us of the courage and determination of those who stood against oppression and fought for a brighter future for all Greeks.

Today I’d like to pay, along the Greek citizens, tribute to the heroes of the past and continue their legacy by advocating for justice, equality, and progress in our society.

#politexneion#democracy#freedom#students#universityofathens