Rigas Palamidis

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

Rigas Palamidis (1794 – April 10, 1872) was a politician, fighter, and scholar during the Greek War of Independence, as well as a significant figure in the early decades of the newly established Greek state. His career, both in politics and in the struggle for independence, made him one of the prominent figures of the 19th century, with his actions covering important sectors of Greek politics and society.

Biographical Information and Early Life Rigas Palamidis was born in 1794 in Tripoli, into a family with deep roots in the local community and considerable influence in Arcadia and the wider Peloponnese. His father, Ioannis Palamidis, was the chief of Karytaina and the dragoman of the Pasha of the Peloponnese, but he was executed by the Turks of Tripoli in 1796 due to intrigues.

Raised in this difficult environment, Rigas studied at the school in Dimitsana and continued his education in Constantinople, where he acquired a great education and developed intellectual and political awareness. He followed in his father's footsteps and was appointed dragoman to the Pasha of the Peloponnese.

Participation in the 1821 Revolution When the Greek War of Independence broke out in 1821, Rigas Palamidis was in Constantinople, but upon the outbreak of the revolution, he returned to the Peloponnese and actively participated in the struggle. He was close to Theodoros Kolokotronis, whom his father had baptized, and offered his services as a secretary in the Greek military camps. He participated in the Battle of Valtetsi (May 12–13, 1821) and the Capture of Tripoli (September 23, 1821).

The government appointed him as a general in 1822. However, when Dramalis arrived, Palamidis showed an unjustified cowardice, causing panic among his companions, which tarnished his reputation as a military leader. Despite this, his participation in the struggle remained significant and multifaceted.

Political Career Rigas Palamidis was a decisive figure in the early National Assemblies of Greece, playing an active role in the political life of the newly established country. He was elected as a representative from Tripoli in the National Assemblies of Epidaurus (1821), Troizinia (1827), and Argos (1829). During the Kapodistrian period, he served as a member of the Panhellenic Assembly and as a senator.

After the assassination of Ioannis Kapodistrias and the resignation of his brother Augustinos, Palamidis was elected as a representative from Tripoli at the Fourth National Assembly (1832), which confirmed the election of Otto as King of the Greeks.

Rigas Palamidis served in governmental positions during the autocratic period of King Otto's reign, being appointed as a prefect and councilor of the State. Specifically, on the day the revolutionary movement for a Constitution broke out (September 3, 1843), the Council of State convened immediately and entrusted power to the government under Andreas Metaxas. Palamidis took up the post of Minister of the Interior, where he served until February 1844.

President of the Parliament and Minister of the Interior Rigas Palamidis became President of the Parliament from December 19, 1845, to April 14, 1847, during the premiership of Ioannis Kolettis. During his tenure, a ceremonial event was held in the Parliament in which the manuscript of the 1844 Constitution, with the signatures of the representatives, was placed in a special metal box.

From 1847 onward, Rigas Palamidis returned to the Ministry of the Interior in various governments, such as those of Koutsos Tzavellas (April 1847 – March 1848), Alexandros Mavrokordatos (July 1852 – February 1854), Antonios Kriezis (May – November 1854), and Athanasios Miaoulis (September 1859 – January 1860).

Involvement in Social and Economic Activities Apart from politics, Rigas Palamidis played an active role in the social and economic life of Greece. He was a founding member of the Archaeological Society (1837) and a shareholder of the National Bank (1841). Moreover, he collected material for the history of the 1821 Revolution, which is now preserved in the General State Archives.

During the Crimean War and Political Restoration During the Crimean War, despite the prevailing influence of irredentist ideas in his party, Palamidis supported the avoidance of Greece's involvement in a war with the Ottoman Empire, maintaining a realistic and calm stance.

Later, with the support of Dimitrios Christidis, he sought the leadership of the French Party and advocated for anti-dynastic political positions, shaping his opposition to the dominant royalist faction.

Final Years and Legacy Rigas Palamidis continued to be actively involved in politics until his death in 1872. He died in Athens on April 10, 1872, at the age of 78. He had four children, and his nephew, Theodoros Diligiannis, became a leading political figure in the second half of the 19th century.