With references to the lessons of October 28 and the Cyprus issue, the parties’ messages on the Greeks’ historic “No.”
The parties’ statements on October 28, verbatim:
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
DISY
October 28: Remembrance, Freedom, and National Responsibility
October 28 marks one of the most significant milestones in modern Greek history. It is the day when the Greek people, with determination and self-sacrifice, resisted the forces of fascism and Nazism, defending their freedom, independence, and dignity.
The epic of 1940 does not belong solely to the past. It is a legacy for future generations and a timeless reminder that defending freedom requires courage, faith in our principles, and collective effort.
Cyprus proudly participates in the commemoration of this anniversary, paying tribute to the Greek Cypriots who played their part in the struggle against the Axis powers. Our compatriots who fought on the battlefields of World War II and served in the Allied forces are an integral part of this historical memory.
For the Greek community in Cyprus, the messages of October 28 take on special significance. As long as our homeland remains under Turkish occupation, our commitment to freedom, the preservation of our historical identity, and the pursuit of a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem constitute an enduring national responsibility.
The Democratic Rally honors this anniversary and underscores the need to draw lessons from our history. With unity, responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to European values, we continue our efforts toward a free, safe, and reunified Cyprus.
AKEL
AKEL commemorates the anniversary of October 28, 1940, and the heroic “NO” of the Greek people in the face of the Italian fascist invasion. With unprecedented unity, heroism, and self-sacrifice, the Greek people responded with a genuine popular “NO” and defended their homeland and freedom against the Axis powers.
The epic struggle of the Greek people in the mountains of Albania constituted one of the most glorious chapters in Greek history and in the global anti-fascist struggle. The resistance continued throughout the years of Nazi occupation, with the magnificent National Resistance movement—centered on the EAM-ELAS— rallying the people in the struggle to liberate Greece from the occupiers.
AKEL pays tribute to the thousands of fighters who gave their lives on the battlefields, in the ranks of the National Resistance, at firing squads, and in Nazi camps. It commemorates the victims of Nazi atrocities in Kalavryta, in Distomo, in Kaisariani, in Kokkinia, and throughout Greece, as well as the thousands who died of starvation and destitution during the years of the triple occupation.
The thousands of Cypriot volunteers of World War II also hold a special place in this historical legacy, who fought against Hitlerite fascism and contributed to the great victory of the peoples for freedom and democracy. AKEL takes particular pride in the historic decision of its Central Committee on June 16, 1943, to voluntarily enlist its members and cadres in the anti-fascist struggle.
The lessons of October 28 remain relevant today. Fascism, which has brought bloodshed upon humanity, is reemerging in Europe and internationally, in new forms and guises, invoking a false patriotism and national loyalty, fostering nationalism, racism, and hatred. Building on oblivion, silence, and the distortion of history, neo-fascist forces—those nostalgic for Hitler and Mussolini—are vying for a place in political power.
October 28 reminds us that fascism is not invincible. Its defeat was won through the struggles and the blood of the peoples. This historical truth remains a timeless message and a duty for present and future generations: to never again allow fascism to rear its head.
ELAM
Long live October 28!
Today we honor Ioannis Metaxas’s glorious “NO” to the Italian ambassador’s ultimatum, one of the most brilliant anniversaries in the history of Hellenism.
Armed with the sacred legacy of our ancestors, Greek fighters rushed to the front “with a smile on their lips” and valiantly defended their ancestral lands. The historic battles that followed left an indelible mark on the history of our nation.
The message of October 28, 1940, remains relevant and powerful: Hellenism does not yield and does not compromise on matters of national sovereignty.
Glory and honor to the Epic of ’40!
DIKO
Peoples do not always choose the trials that history has in store for them. What they can choose, however, is how they will face them. On October 28, 1940, the Greek people found themselves facing such a historic moment. And they chose to resist. To defend their freedom, independence, and dignity against fascism and the threat of subjugation. The historic “NO” expressed the determination of an entire people not to relinquish the right to determine their own future, even when the balance of power was overwhelmingly against them.
Eighty-six years later, we honor all those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice, writing one of the most glorious chapters in the history of Hellenism and contributing to the broader struggle of peoples against fascism and totalitarianism. The national anniversary of October 28 is an opportunity to reflect on what the values defended by the fighters of 1940 mean for the Greek community in Cyprus.
For Cyprus, which continues to live with the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, the messages of that historic era remain particularly relevant. With occupying Turkey persisting in tactics and objectives that run counter to international law and United Nations resolutions, we have a duty to continue the struggle for the liberation and reunification of our homeland, with faith in our national rights, but also with political responsibility, unity, and a clear strategy.
For the Democratic Party, the defense of the Republic of Cyprus, its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity is a steadfast and non-negotiable priority. We know that achieving this goal is not easy. Nor can it be secured simply by invoking our rights. It requires continuous effort, leveraging our international and European foundations, strengthening the position of the Republic of Cyprus, and a consistent policy that will create the conditions for substantive progress.
The lessons of 1940 are not that difficulties are easily overcome. It is that even under the most difficult circumstances, a people must not abandon its principles, rights, and just claims.
With this message, the Democratic Party today honors the heroes and fighters of the 1940 epic, as well as all those who resisted fascism and sacrificed themselves for freedom.
Historical memory takes on real meaning when it becomes a responsibility for the present and a legacy for the future.
ALMA
October 28, 1940, marks a defining moment in Greek history. The Greek people’s historic “NO” to fascism and aggression was an act of national dignity, courage, and defense of freedom.
Today we honor those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice to defend their homeland, democracy, and the right of peoples to freely determine their own future. Among them were thousands of Greeks from Cyprus, who, together with their compatriots from other communities, took part in the common struggle against fascism.
The message of October 28 remains relevant today. It reminds us that freedom, democracy, and national dignity cannot be taken for granted. They require constant effort, unity, determination, and a commitment to principles.
For Cyprus, which continues to suffer the consequences of the Turkish invasion and occupation, this message takes on special significance. The struggle to end the occupation, liberate, and reunify our homeland must continue with consistency and determination, based on international law, United Nations resolutions, and the principles and values of the European Union. Unfortunately, President Christodoulides’ policy of illusions appears to be coming to an end, with the danger of a perilous impasse now looming, in which the responsibilities, rather than being attributed to Turkey, will be shared equally between the two communities.
For the ALMA Movement, patriotism is not limited to commemorative proclamations and slogans. It is expressed daily through the defense of democratic institutions, respect for the rule of law, the strengthening of social cohesion, and the creation of a state that serves its citizens with integrity and efficiency.
The best tribute we can pay to those who fought for freedom is to build a homeland worthy of their sacrifices—a Cyprus that is free, democratic, just, and dignified.
Happy New Year to the Greek people everywhere.
Direct Democracy
Today marks the 86th anniversary of the historic “NO” of October 28, 1940. A day of pride and honor for Greece, Cyprus, and all Hellenism.
On October 28, 1940, Greece refused to submit to the demands of fascist Italy. A nation stood its ground against a more powerful adversary, proving that love for one’s homeland, freedom, and dignity are values worth fighting for.
The Direct Democracy of Cyprus pays tribute to the Greek soldiers who fought in the mountains of Pindus and Albania, to those who sacrificed their lives for their homeland, to the fighters of the National Resistance, and to the Greek people who suffered during the difficult years of the Occupation.
Through the struggle and sacrifices of its people, Greece wrote one of the most glorious chapters in its modern history and left a timeless message of resistance to fascism and oppression.
Cyprus also participated in this struggle, even though it was under British colonial rule at the time. More than 12,000 Cypriots enlisted in the Cyprus Regiment of the British Army, while Cypriot volunteers also fought in the ranks of the Greek Army. Hundreds lost their lives, and more than 2,000 were taken prisoner during World War II.
Today, 86 years later, Cyprus remains divided, and the Turkish occupation continues. The “NO” of 1940 reminds us that freedom and national dignity cannot be taken for granted. They require struggle, unity, and determination.
Direct Democracy of Cyprus believes that the strength of every country lies in its citizens, in unity, in democracy, and in their active participation in the decisions that shape their future.
We honor Greece, the heroes of 1940, and all those who fought for freedom. We continue to envision a free, reunified, and democratic Cyprus.
Long live October 28!
Happy anniversary to Greece, Cyprus, and the Greek diaspora everywhere!
