Greece: They're Still Available

With the current crisis in Greece, yet another shining example of republican failure, many people, knowing my monarchist sympathies, have asked me how things would be different if the Greek monarchy was still around. This is all speculative of course but that's never stopped me. Of course, I would like to say that everything would be coming up roses if only Constantine II were still head of state but that would be a tad dishonest. Contrary to popular opinion the King of the Hellenes was never the autocratic sort of guy and it is possible, even if he were still on the throne, the democratic process could still have produced a parliament and a succession of PM's who would have put Greece in the same sorry state it is in now. However, the fact remains that Greece is a republic and it has failed miserably and my usual comment on the subject of what would be different with the King on the throne is that the monarchy certainly could not have done any worse.

I am no expert on Greek politics nor are economics my strong point. So, keep in mind my views on this subject are not strident. From where I sit it seems to me that the best thing for Greece to do would be to abandon the euro and restore the drachma. A lower value of currency would mean that investors would get more 'bang for their buck' in Greece and attract investment. This would have to go hand-in-hand with some big changes for the Greek economy. Obviously the socialist set-up of high taxes and entitlements would have to be done away with -it plainly does not work. The Greek government needs to stop the rampant spending and attract more businesses -and thus more jobs- to Greece. The King could give some practical help in this area by bringing a sense of security and stability but the country must also crack down on corruption and lower taxes. I know, that's a dirty word in modern Europe, but a simple look at the micro-monarchies of Liechtenstein and Monaco show how much investment and prosperity come to a country with very low taxes.

Now, if the Greek King were to be restored with some real political powers I think he could certainly be a big help in getting these things done -for starters by sacking incompetent and corrupt officials. However, he would certainly become unpopular just as the current government is by cutting entitlements and stopping the government hand-outs. This is what socialism does to a country. Others have pointed out that this has not happened in other socialist European countries but it seems to me that it must eventually. One can only keep up the juggling act for so long and when pay-outs overtake income something will have to give and across Europe those on government welfare have been steadly increasing in number while the overall population is in decline -all recipes for disaster. Whatever happens I hope everything works out for Greece, it is painful to see the "cradle of civilization" in the state it is in. I would just encourage the Greeks to look at what socialist republicanism has brought them and keep in mind that your King and Queen are still available -ready, willing and able to serve.

Anniversary of Attempted Monarchist Coup in Greece

It was on this day in 1967 that HM King Constantine II of Greece launched his attempt at a royalist coup to re-take the government from the military junta that had been in power since launching a coup of their own that spring. The military had sought the support of the Greek monarch and most of the troops who participated in the initial military takeover thought they were acting on the King's orders. Once it was an accomplished fact Constantine II had little choice but to go along with it and bide his time until the right moment to remove the colonels from power. The date chosen was December 13, 1967. The King and Royal Family went to Kavala where he rallied loyal officers, always adamant that there be no bloodshed. Because of this, he tried to organize his coup from the top, dealing only with royalist army commanders and not attempting to incite a popular uprising against the junta. This would prove to be critical as he was essentially risking everything on the loyalty of the chain of command. In the event, not all officers proved as faithful as their generals who took the side of their monarch. Field officers loyal to the military regime turned on their generals and arrested those who supported the King. Constantine II and his family were forced to flee to Rome where he continued to assert that he was the rightful King of the Hellenes and put his faith in popular support. However, obtaining and keeping popular support in a country under military rule is a difficult thing but Constantine was firm about his choice, even turning down an offer from the junta to have him back if he would drop his democratic advocacy. The King refused and when the junta was overthrown and a vote organized, it was a vote to remove Constantine II as the nominal Greek monarch. The King remains in exile to this day, stating when asked his preference for a limited monarchy but fully accepting of the republican government as the legitimate authority in Greece.

Greek King to Undergo Heart Surgery

It was announced this morning on the former King's website that Constantine II will be undergoing a complicated heart surgery to replace a clogged valve with a bioprosthesis and single vessel bypass. The surgery became necessary after the cholesterol congestion began to prevent blood flow between the King's heart and lungs. Although described as a common procedure and an "elective surgery" it will nonetheless require the King to spend some time on life support in order that his heart and lungs may be stopped for the operation. King Constantine II has been one of the most prominent royals-in-exile in Europe after being overthrown in 1973. Since then he has continued to style himself as "King" but has not pushed for a restoration and as recently as last December said in an interview that genuine democracy was what Greece most needed to solve its current problems. Far be it for me to dispute His Majesty but I think he is needed just as much if not more.