In:
Matériaux pour l’histoire de notre temps, PERSEE Program, Vol. 80, No. 1 ( 2005), p. 4-7
Abstract:
In his account, Mário Soares first emphasises the revolutionary and popular character of the events of 25th April; although it was a real break from the former regime, the people also actively supported the actions of the military. The fascist regime collapsed in a few hours without any bloodshed and without any external interference. Mário Soares recalls his years of exile in France, the formation of the Socialist Party and meetings to seek support from European socialist parties. He remembers the time in Bonn on the eve of the 25th April, when his comrades tried to persuade him that nothing would happen in Portugal for about ten years. Then Mário Soares describes how, the very next day, Portuguese soldiers in Africa laid down their arms. There was also the chaotic situation shortly afterwards during the negotiations on decolonisation. He discusses the conflicts and partisan positions (especially those of the Socialist, Communist and far-left Parties) which led up to the holding of elections (in 1976) which legitimised the new democratic rule. He describes the difficult period which caused the events of 25th November. This is the date which Mário Soares identifies as the real beginning of the democratic revolution, with the promulgation of the new Constitution, the re-establishment of order and the beginning of negotiations for membership of the EEC. Before replying to questions, (notably on the role of the Communist Party and how he met Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho) Mário Soares emphasises the exemplary role of the Carnation Revolution, which had an effect on the third wave of democratic revolutions in the world.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0769-3206
DOI:
10.3406/mat.2005.1059
Language:
French
Publisher:
PERSEE Program
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2181661-X
SSG:
3,61
SSG:
8
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