Fifty years ago, on April 25, 1974, the Carnation Revolution brought an end to Portugal’s 41-year dictatorship and ushered in an era of democracy. As Portugal marks this historic milestone, the political landscape is shifting, with the center-right winning recent elections and the far-right gaining ground.
For many Portuguese, the Carnation Revolution holds a special place in their hearts. Maria Gorete, who was 18 at the time, recalls the chaos and ecstasy of those days. “It was a time of great uncertainty, but also of immense hope,” she says, her eyes sparkling with a special gleam as she shares her memories.
The revolution was sparked by the Portuguese Army, which had grown weary of the colonial wars in Africa and outraged by the horrors they witnessed. On that fateful day, soldiers took to the streets, backed by civilians, and overthrew the dictatorship. The people of Portugal, who had long lived under oppression, poured into the streets to celebrate their newfound freedom.
In the years since the revolution, Portugal has made great strides in building a democratic society. The adoption of a new constitution in 1976 laid the foundations for a pluralistic democracy, and the country has since alternated between governments of the center-left Socialist Party (PS) and the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD).
However, the recent rise of the far-right Chega party has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Portugal. Chega, led by André Ventura, has a manifesto based on transphobic and xenophobic stances, among others, and has gained significant support, particularly among young, less educated men.
Historian and professor Ricardo Noronha of the Nova University of Lisbon believes that the broad notion of democracy is not threatened by the rise of the far right. However, he emphasizes the importance of vigilance and education, particularly among the youth.
“It’s natural for those born into freedom not to question their state,” says Noronha. “But it’s crucial to remain vigilant since human history is cyclical, and we must not allow freedom to be threatened again. We must learn from history to prevent the youth from being alienated once more.”
The Portuguese government is making significant efforts to engage all age groups in the act of remembrance, especially the youth. Campaigns on social media aim to raise awareness about the freedoms now taken for granted, which were once unattainable. Despite the challenges, the spirit of the Carnation Revolution remains alive in the hearts of many Portuguese, particularly the youth. In the alleys of Lisbon, during a protest against financial instability, they chant “25 de abril sempre, fascismo nunca mais!” (25 April forever, fascism never again!). With fists raised, they hold the symbolic red carnation, the flower placed in gun barrels in 1974 as a symbol of peace. For these young people, the legacy of the Carnation Revolution continues to inspire their fight for a just and equitable society.
