Half a century since the Carnation Revolution: from illusion to disenchantment

It was an unprecedented moment in history that left the world in awe. The Portuguese army, led by a small group of captains who had kept their plans a secret, took to the streets and overthrew the long-standing dictatorship in just a few days. This remarkable event took place on April 25, 1974, and has since become a national holiday in Portugal.

What made this revolution even more extraordinary was the peaceful nature of the uprising. The Portuguese society joined forces with the military, who were fed up with the dictatorship and the never-ending colonial wars. In a symbolic act, a waitress distributed carnations to the soldiers, who then placed them in the barrels of their rifles. This act gave the revolution its name – the Carnation Revolution.

The impact of this peaceful uprising reverberated across the globe, inspiring hope not only in Portugal but also in countries like Spain, which was under Franco’s regime at the time. The movement showcased the power of small gestures and acts of defiance, such as the corporal who locked himself in his tank to prevent himself from shooting at the revolutionaries.

In the years that followed the revolution, Portugal underwent a radical transformation. The infant mortality rate significantly dropped, illiteracy rates decreased, and public liberties and civil rights, including women’s equality, were consolidated. The country’s entry into the European Economic Community in 1986 further accelerated its modernization and democratization.

However, fifty years after April 25 and almost forty years since joining the EU, some of the initial expectations have not been fully realized. Challenges such as access to housing, low salaries, and the decline in public services have led to a sense of pessimism among the Portuguese society. This, in turn, has impacted the democratic ideals that the revolution had fostered.

Despite these challenges, the majority of the Portuguese people still hold a positive sentiment towards April 25 and the achievements of the revolution. Surveys indicate that satisfaction with Portuguese democracy has increased over the years, and the majority considers April 25 to be the most important moment in the country’s history.

Half a century ago, Portugal showed the world the power of peaceful revolution and the possibility of transitioning from dictatorship to democracy. While there are still unresolved issues, analysts agree that the democratic system in Portugal is strong and continues to progress.