ΟΙ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΚΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΙΔΕΟΛΟΓΙΚΕΣ ΣΥΓΚΡΟΥΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΗ ΜΕΤΑΚΑΤΟΧΙΚΗ ΣΥΡΟ ΚΑΙ Ο ΔΗΜΑΡΧΟΣ ΕΡΜΟΥΠΟΛΗΣ ΕΠΑΜΕΙΝΩΝΔΑΣ ΠΑΠΠΑΔΑΜ

Abstract

Christos Loukos, The political and ideological conflicts in post-war Syros and the Hermoupolis’ mayor Epaminondas Pappadam

We observe, in the micro scale of Syros, the defeat of expectations held by many Greeks that after the liberation a democratic society, just to all citizens, would arise and that the new government would punish the collaborators of Italian and German conquerors and all those who became rich by exploiting the misery of the people through the black market. This article examines the short tenure of the first post-war mayor of Hermoupolis, Epaminondas Pappadam, and how his overthrow was pursued because he insisted in his democratic and antiroyalist convictions.

The overthrow was prepared by individuals and groups of people who had served the Metaxas’ dictatorial regime, and more than others were exposed to the accusation of collaborating with the enemy and they looked forward to the return of King George II as the only stable guarantee for maintaining their leadership role. Their aims were facilitated by the tragic events of December 1944 in Athens. Backed by the presence of several Sacred Battalion’s officers, British officers and other military forces at Syros, they succeeded, not only to marginalize the EAM’s small military force in the island and their supporters, but also to prohibit with offensive behavior every act which was not compatible with their aims.

Under those circumstances, Pappadam should have overthrown. He was not a communist, not an EAM’s supporter either, but he insisted to be against the king’s return and supported the necessity of a conciliatory solution for the social and political contrasts. Besides, his overthrow would function, in a symbolic level, as a warning for forcing into obedience those, less powerful than the mayor, who resisted to the forthcoming settlement of the Greek constitutional and political issue.