Konstantinos Logothetopoulos

Greek physician and politician

Konstantinos Logothetopoulos

Konstantinos Logothetopoulos (1 August 1878 – 6 July 1961) was a Greek physician and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Greece during the Axis occupation in World War II. He was a prominent figure in the Hellenic Army and later became involved in politics, playing a controversial role during a tumultuous period in Greek history.

Early Life and Education

Konstantinos Logothetopoulos was born in Nafplio, Greece, on 1 August 1878. He pursued his medical studies in Germany, where he specialized in surgery and gynecology. His education in Germany not only provided him with advanced medical knowledge but also established connections that would later influence his political career.

Medical Career

Logothetopoulos returned to Greece and became a respected physician. He was appointed as a professor of gynecology at the University of Athens, where he contributed significantly to the field. His work in medicine was well-regarded, and he was known for his dedication to teaching and advancing medical practices in Greece.

Political Career

Involvement in World War II

During the Axis occupation of Greece, Logothetopoulos was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and later became the Prime Minister of the collaborationist government under the German occupation. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain order and manage the difficult conditions imposed by the occupying forces.

Prime Minister of Greece

Logothetopoulos served as Prime Minister from 2 December 1942 to 7 April 1943. His government was largely seen as a puppet regime under the control of the Nazis, and his role was controversial due to the collaboration with the occupiers. Despite the challenges, he attempted to address issues such as food shortages and public unrest.

Coat of arms of Greece (1924–1935)

Post-War Period

After the liberation of Greece, Logothetopoulos was arrested and tried for his collaboration with the Axis powers. He was initially sentenced to life imprisonment but was released in 1951 due to health reasons. He spent the remainder of his life away from the political scene, living quietly until his death in 1961.

Legacy

Konstantinos Logothetopoulos remains a controversial figure in Greek history. His collaboration with the Axis powers during World War II overshadowed his earlier contributions to medicine and education. His legacy is a subject of debate, reflecting the complex nature of his actions during one of Greece's most challenging periods.

Related Pages

• Axis occupation of Greece
• Hellenic Army
• Prime Minister of Greece
• University of Athens