Mikis Theodorakis: Support for Karamanlis After Return from Exile

In an interview published in the newspaper "France Soir" on July 31, 1974, Mikis Theodorakis expressed his support for Konstantinos Karamanlis after his return to Greece from exile. Theodorakis, who had returned to Greece on July 24, 1974, stated that although he had been a relentless opponent of Karamanlis in the past, he now supported him.

In his interview, Theodorakis emphasized that the situation in Greece remained critical and that the first victory after the fall of the dictatorship had to be consolidated. He also mentioned that the dictatorship had a positive side, as it allowed the unification of 95% of the Greek people. He considered his role to be working for the organization of the new left and that everyone should help stabilize the bridgehead established by Karamanlis.

Theodorakis stated that Konstantinos Karamanlis is the only suitable leader and that everyone should follow him. He also mentioned that he had signed a joint manifesto with the other communist party in support of Karamanlis. Regarding the future, Theodorakis mentioned that there were many obstacles to overcome and that they needed to broaden and strengthen the bridgehead, form political parties, and normalize political life in Greece, with the ultimate goal of free general elections.

The article, titled "We Must All Help Karamanlis," was published in the newspaper "To Vima" on August 1, 1974.