The Sofoulis-Sklavainas Pact and the August 4th Dictatorship

The infamous "Sofoulis-Sklavainas Pact" played a significant role in the political events leading to the August 4th, 1936 dictatorship by Ioannis Metaxas. Following the referendum on the restoration of the monarchy and the elections of January 26, 1936, the political situation in Greece was unstable.

Themistoklis Sofoulis, leader of the Liberals, entered into a pact with Stelios Sklavainas, representative of the Popular Front (KKE), in order to secure the presidency of the Parliament. In return, Sofoulis promised the abolition of the "Idionymo" law, amnesty for political prisoners, and measures in favor of farmers and workers.

This pact, although allowing Sofoulis to be elected Speaker of the Parliament, was later revealed by the KKE, causing political reactions and destabilization. The inability of the major parties to cooperate and the death of K. Demertzis led to the appointment of Ioannis Metaxas as Prime Minister and the establishment of the August 4th dictatorship.