The carnation discolored

Paulo Coutinho

On April 25, 1974, Portugal was transformed by the Carnation Revolution, a bloodless coup that swept away decades of dictatorship. As we mark the 50th anniversary of this pivotal moment, the country finds itself at a crossroads, its society divided and its commitment to the democratic ideals of the revolution under strain.

The Carnation Revolution was more than a mere change of government; it was a profound societal upheaval that promised freedom and democracy.

Led by young military officers and supported by a populace weary of authoritarian rule, the movement quickly dismantled the Estado Novo regime, of Salazar and Caetano.

The transition was not without its challenges.

The period following the coup, known as the Ongoing Revolutionary Process (PREC), was marked by intense political and social instability. Figures such as Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho advocated for a socialist direct democracy, while others notably Mário Soares (Socialist Party leader and founder), Francisco Sá Carneiro (Social Democratic Party leader and founder) and Ramalho Eanes (who represented the moderate faction of the Armed Forces) pushed for a Western-style parliamentary system. The latter eventually prevailed, steering Portugal towards the democratic norms of Western Europe.

Reflecting on those days, I remember being a 13-year-old in Aveiro, a small but vibrant town in Northern Portugal. Soon enough, the revolution’s echoes were loud and clear in our school corridors. Our classes were often interrupted for general assembly meetings or news of another strike. At a point, for weeks, soldiers patrolled the school grounds, a jarring reminder of the nation’s fragility, tasked with preventing clashes between students of diverging political views. This was a time when many families, including those who had hurriedly returned from former colonies amid a controversial decolonization process, were trying to find their footing in a rapidly changing Portugal.

Now, decades later, residing in Macau, these events are like glimpses from another planet or another life. Yet, the revolution played a critical role in shaping Macau’s future as well.

In the years following the coup, Portugal, who administered the territory, granted Macau autonomous status with its own mini-constitution in 1976, a precursor to the Basic Law that governs the region today.

Recent developments in Portugal have cast a shadow over the revolution’s legacy, despite the significant strides towards democracy over the half century. The latest elections revealed a stark divide, with over 1.2 million people casting their votes for Chega, a far-right party. This shift towards nationalism and the far-right is alarming, particularly because many of these voters are disillusioned with what they perceive as the failed promises of the revolution.

Recent public opinion surveys reveal a nuanced picture: while two-thirds of the Portuguese populace view the revolution positively, there is a significant minority that is against the revolution. This division highlights a broader debate about the nature of democracy and freedom in Portugal, questioning whether the revolution truly delivered on its promise of an equitable society.

As we commemorate this anniversary, it is crucial for us to reflect on the achievements of the revolution, acknowledging its successes in dismantling a dictatorship of 48 years and establishing a democratic framework. However, we must also confront the revolution’s unfinished business, particularly its inability to fully integrate all segments of society into a cohesive democratic process, resisting the allure of authoritarian solutions in times of crisis.

As someone who witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the Carnation Revolution, I remain hopeful yet cautious about our democratic journey. This anniversary should serve as a moment of reflection and a call to action: to renew our commitment to the democratic ideals that once inspired a nation, and to ensure they are robust enough to withstand the tests of time and division.