What is metaxism?

Metaxism is a political ideology and movement that originated in Greece in the 1930s. The word "metaxism" comes from the Greek word "metaxy," which means "intermediate" or "in-between."

Metaxism was founded by Kostas Plevris, who believed that Greece needed a political system that was based on a synthesis of different ideologies, including fascism, socialism, and nationalism. Plevris saw metaxism as a third way between communism and capitalism, which he believed were both flawed.

Metaxism combined elements of fascist authoritarianism with socialist ideas such as wealth redistribution and worker control of the means of production. It also emphasized the importance of Greek culture and identity, and called for a revival of the ancient Greek spirit.

Metaxism gained popularity in Greece during the 1930s, and some of its ideas influenced the policies of the authoritarian regime of Ioannis Metaxas, who came to power in 1936. However, Metaxas distanced himself from the metaxist movement, which he saw as too extreme and incompatible with his own goals.

After World War II, metaxism lost influence in Greek politics, but it continued to exist as a marginalized ideology. Today, some far-right groups in Greece still identify with metaxism, although its legacy is controversial and debated.