Georgios Zoitakis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgios Zoitakis
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| Γεώργιος Ζωιτάκης | |
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Zoitakis in 1971
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| Regent of Greece | |
| In office 13 December 1967 – 21 March 1972 |
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| Monarch | Constantine II |
| Succeeded by | Georgios Papadopoulos |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 March 1910 Nafpaktos, Greece |
| Died | 21 October 1996 (aged 86) Athens, Greece |
| Resting place | First Cemetery of Athens |
| Alma mater | Hellenic Military Academy |
| Awards |  Grand Commander of the Order of George I Order of the Phoenix Gold Cross of Valour War Cross |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
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| Years of service | 1932–1972 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands | First Army (Chief of Staff) I Army Corps III Army Corps |
| Conflicts | World War II
Greek Civil War 1967 Greek coup d'état |
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Georgios Zoitakis (born March 3, 1910 – died October 21, 1996) was a Greek Army General. He served as the regent of Greece from December 13, 1967, to March 21, 1972. This was during a time when a military government, known as the Colonels' military regime, was in power.
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Early Life and Military Career
Georgios Zoitakis was born in Nafpaktos, Greece. He joined the army and graduated from the Hellenic Military Academy in 1932. He fought as a lieutenant in the Greco-Italian War and the Battle of Greece during World War II.
During the time Greece was occupied by Axis powers, he joined the EDES guerrilla fighters. He also fought in the Greek Civil War and rose to the rank of major. For his bravery, he received the Gold Cross of Valour three times. This is a very special award for courage in Greece.
Rising Through the Ranks
In the 1950s, Zoitakis continued his military education. He attended advanced courses in Greece and military seminars in other countries. During this time, he worked for King Pávlos.
He also held important leadership roles in the Greek Army. He became Chief of Staff for the First Army. Later, he commanded the I Army Corps and the III Army Corps. The III Army Corps in Thessaloniki was a very important military group.
The 1967 Military Takeover
On April 21, 1967, a group of army officers carried out a military takeover in Greece. Zoitakis was in Athens and was surprised by the events. However, he quickly decided to support the new military government. On the same day, he was made the Deputy Minister of National Defence.
Becoming Regent of Greece
On December 13, 1967, King Constantine II tried to overthrow the military government, but his attempt failed. The King and his family then left Greece and went to Italy.
Because the King was absent, Georgios Zoitakis was chosen to be the Regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is away or cannot rule. Zoitakis served as Regent until March 21, 1972. He was then replaced by Georgios Papadopoulos, who was the main leader of the military government. Zoitakis also retired from the army as a full general.
Later Years
After Greece returned to democracy in 1975, Zoitakis and other leaders of the military government were put on trial. He was found responsible for his actions during the military rule. He stayed in prison for 13 years.
In 1988, he was released from prison because his health was getting worse. He asked for a pardon in 1991, but it was not granted. He remained at his home in Athens until he passed away in 1996.
Georgios Zoitakis was married to Sofia Vouranzeri. They had one daughter named Vasiliki, also known as Vicky. He is buried in the First Cemetery of Athens.
