AKEL marks the anniversary of 28 October 1940
27 October 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
AKEL commemorates the anniversary of 28 October 1940 and the heroic ‘NO’ of the Greek people in the face of the invasion by Italian fascism.
With unprecedented unity, heroism and self-sacrifice, the Greek people responded with a genuine popular ‘NO’ and defended their homeland and their 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 the Nazi occupation, with the magnificent National Resistance movement – centred 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 the firing squads and in the Nazi camps. It commemorates the victims of the Nazi atrocities that were committed in Kalavryta, Distomo, Kaisariani, 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 the Second World War, who fought against Hitlerite fascism and contributed to the great victory of the peoples for freedom and democracy, also hold a special place in this historical legacy. AKEL takes particular pride in the historic decision taken by its Central Committee on 16 June 1943 to enlist its members and militants as volunteers in the anti-fascist struggle.
The lessons of 28 October remain as relevant as ever. Fascism, which has plunged humanity into bloodshed, is resurfacing in Europe and internationally, in new forms and guises, invoking a false sense of patriotism and national loyalty, whilst fostering nationalism, racism and hatred. Capitalising on forgetfulness/amnesia, the suppression and distortion of history, neo-fascist forces – those nostalgic for Hitler and Mussolini – are vying for a place in political power.
28 October serves as a reminder that fascism is not invincible. Its defeat was forged through the struggles and the blood shed by the peoples. This historical truth remains a timeless message and a duty for present and future generations: never again to permit fascism to rear its head.
