Konstantinos Zavitzianos (1877-1951)

Konstantinos Zavitzianos (1877-1951) was an emblematic figure in the political landscape of Greece during the early 20th century. Born in Corfu into a family with a tradition in literature and the military, he completed his legal studies in Greece and continued his academic training in Italy and France. His first foray into public life came in 1910, when he was elected as a member of Parliament for Corfu and participated in the committee for the new constitution. His political rise continued, culminating in his tenure as President of the Greek Parliament in 1915. Despite an offer from Theodoros Pangalos to become Prime Minister in 1925, Zavitzianos chose to pursue his own political path. In 1928, he became Minister of the Interior in Eleftherios Venizelos’ government, working to ensure the smooth conduct of elections. During his time as Minister, he largely eradicated the issue of banditry in rural areas. Later, he founded his own party, the "Political Progressive Union," aiming to promote a reformist agenda. Though initially involved in the Metaxas government as vice-president, Zavitzianos resigned in January 1937 due to disagreements with the 4th of August regime. During the German occupation, he became co-manager of the historic National Bank in 1941. Konstantinos Zavitzianos passed away on June 29, 1951, in Athens. Pictured: thank-you letter from the Board of Directors of the Gymnastic Club of Iraklis Thessaloniki, dated January 1915, addressed to Konstantinos Zavitzianos, President of the Greek Parliament. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.