The last speech of the solemn session on November 25 came from the President of the Republic, who started the intervention by leaving some questions to the audience present in the parliament and recalling the various important dates between April 25 and the 25th of November. 1975. According to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, there is no end to history, which he considers good, as long as it implies more freedom and more democracy.
Bearing in mind that many Portuguese people do not remember April 25 or November 25, the head of state wanted to draw attention to the main events.
Then the President of the Republic framed the 25th of November as “a very important step” on the path to freedom and democracy that was opened by the 25th of April, insisting that “there is no contradiction” in the interpretation of the two dates.
November 25, as “the victory of the Nine group over the other two military groups”, was the combination of “several factors”.
In a speech that lasted almost twenty minutes, the head of state questioned whether it is possible to say that “freedom began on April 25, 1974 and democracy began on November 25, 1975″ in Portugal.
“It is more accurate to say that on April 25, 1974, a complex and long path was opened, because it went through the revolution and then the seven-year constitutional transition, towards freedom and democracy. And that was the 25 November, 1975, takes a very important step on the path to freedom and democracy.”
“The 25th of April 1974 was not only the first, but also the most significant from a historical point of view, in terms of the end of the imperial cycle of five centuries, in terms of the end of half a century dictatorship, in terms of the first configuration of a system of parties, definition of the electoral system and social partners”, continued Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. And he added: “Without him, at the time it happened, November 25 would not have been 1975 there, than what it meant as a winning case on the various cases that would suit the unity made on the differences that was April 25.”
The 25th of November 1975 was “very significant, because without it at the time it was there and the way it happened, the revolutionary tide would have been longer, more turbulent and more conflictual, and for some it could it even provoked a civil war. “.
As the President of the Republic pointed out, “it didn’t happen like that, there was no civil war”.
“This is why there is no contradiction between April 25, as it has been observed for many years – as a great date, because it showed a deeper turning of the page, in the empire, in the dictatorship and as the first step . towards freedom and democracy – evoking November 25, 1975”, he said.
“We all know that History has no end. It is rewritten day after day, just as it is built day after day.”
In this sense, “its reconstruction and rewriting corresponds to what is actually lived and means more freedom, more democracy, more political, economic, social and cultural democracy”.
“More Portuguese with the past, but also with the future. That’s why we are gathered here today.”
What were the main outcomes of the April 25, 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Historian on The Significance of April 25 and November 25 in Portugal
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment! Today, we have with us Dr. Luis Almeida, a renowned political historian, who will help us unpack the recent conclusions of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa regarding the pivotal moments in Portugal’s journey toward democracy—specifically, April 25, 1974, and November 25, 1975. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Almeida.
Dr. Luis Almeida (LA): It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.
TNE: President de Sousa recently delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of these two dates in Portuguese history. How do you view his interpretation of them as interconnected rather than isolated events?
LA: I find his perspective quite engaging. President de Sousa aptly highlights that the April 25th Carnation Revolution was not merely a standalone event; it was the commencement of a complex process. By portraying November 25 as a crucial milestone in advancing the freedoms gained on April 25, he acknowledges the ongoing struggle for democracy in Portugal.
TNE: He mentioned that “there is no end to history,” linking it to the evolution of freedom and democracy. How significant is this concept in the context of historical events?
LA: This idea is profound. By suggesting that history is a continuous journey, President de Sousa encourages reflection on how past events shape our present and future. It underscores the notion that democracy is not a finished product but an ongoing endeavor that requires vigilance, engagement, and evolution in response to contemporary challenges.
TNE: You mentioned the struggle for democracy. How do you think the events of November 25 reshaped the political landscape in Portugal?
LA: November 25 represents the victory of the Nine group, which played a decisive role in stabilizing the young democracy after the initial upheaval of the revolution. This clash highlighted the need for a cohesive political framework. The events that transpired then paved the way for democratic governance, representing the culmination of the revolutionary promises made on April 25. It was validating for many citizens who hoped for a democratic future.
TNE: According to President de Sousa, the historical narrative should embrace both dates without conflict. Why is it important to understand their relationship in today’s context, especially for younger generations?
LA: For many young people in Portugal today, these dates feel distant. Understanding the relationship between them is crucial because it illustrates not only the historical context of our freedoms but also reminds us that democracy is built on the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations. It’s essential to learn from this history to fully appreciate and participate in the democratic processes we have today.
TNE: As we reflect on these events, how can modern-day Portugal ensure that the lessons of April 25 and November 25 remain relevant and impactful?
LA: Continuous education is key. By incorporating lessons from these historical moments into our education system, engaging the media to discuss them openly, and emphasizing civic participation, we can foster an informed citizenry that values democracy and is active in protecting it. Ensuring people understand that democracy requires participation will help ensure its resilience.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Almeida, for your insights! It’s evident that reflecting on our history is vital both for understanding the present and shaping a brighter future.
LA: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep these conversations alive.
TNE: Absolutely. And thank you to our viewers for tuning in today. Let’s continue to remember and engage with our past as we look forward to a future defined by democracy and freedom.