Dimitrios Voulgaris
Dimitrios Voulgaris (Greek: Δημήτριος Βούλγαρης; December 20, 1802 – January 10, 1878)[1] was a Greek revolutionary fighter during the Greek War of Independence of 1821 who became a politician after independence. He was nicknamed "Tsoumpes" (Τσουμπές) after the distinctive Ottoman-style robe he wore.
Voulgaris was born on December 20, 1802 on the island of Hydra in the Saronic Islands. When the War of Independence broke out, he participated in naval operations against the forces of the Ottoman Empire. After independence was achieved, Voulgaris became involved in politics as a bitter opponent of Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias.
In 1843, Voulgaris was appointed to the newly created Senate and in 1847, he became Minister for the Navy. He became Prime Minister for the first time in 1855 during the Crimean War. He was elected to the post again in elections marked by widespread corruption and fraud.
Voulgaris was involved in the coup against Otto of Greece in October 1862 and became Prime Minister once more. In total, he was Prime Minister eight times; however, his terms in office where characterised by corruption. Finally, in 1875, Charilaos Trikoupis published his famous article "Who is to blame?" ("Τις πταίει;") in the Athens daily "Times" ("Καιροί") concerning the waste and corruption of the government. After a strong public outcry, King George I dismissed Voulgaris. Many of his associates were indicted on a variety of charges and Voulgaris himself took ill and died in Athens on January 10, 1878.
References
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece October 11, 1855 – November 25, 1857 |
Succeeded by Athanasios Miaoulis |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece October 23, 1862 – February 21, 1863 |
Succeeded by Aristeidis Moraitinis |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece November 6, 1863 – March 17, 1864 |
Succeeded by Konstantinos Kanaris |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece November 15, 1865 – November 18, 1865 |
Succeeded by Alexandros Koumoundouros |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece June 21, 1866 – December 30, 1866 |
Succeeded by Alexandros Koumoundouros |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece February 6, 1868 – February 6, 1869 |
Succeeded by Thrasyvoulos Zaimis |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece January 6, 1872 – July 20, 1872 |
Succeeded by Epameinondas Deligeorgis |
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Greece February 21, 1874 – May 8, 1875 |
Succeeded by Charilaos Trikoupis |
- ↑ Note: Greece officially adopted the Gregorian calendar on 16 February 1923 (which became 1 March). All dates prior to that, unless specifically denoted, are Old Style.
