The obligation of all of us - political leadership and citizens - to further protect and strengthen the institutions, our national unity and the common effort for normality and stability, was underlined by the President of the Republic, Constantine Tassoulas, on the occasion of the "black anniversary" of the April 21 coup.
He added that during this dark seven-year period, the country and society regressed. The country was cut off from the international and European environment, freedom of expression was suppressed and thousands of citizens were tortured and dragged into prisons and exiles.
Fifty-eight years later, our country is experiencing its longest period of democratic governance. A period in which even extreme political conflicts have not been able to undermine the strong foundations of the Greek Republic. Foundations that are based on popular sovereignty expressed through elections and the democratic procedures imposed by the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the country's unwavering connection with Europe, the President stated.