“Our democratic revolution of April 25, 1974, was driven by a deep desire for change and freedom, both politically and socially. After the revolution, the country began to move towards a full democracy,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro in a message about the Carnation Revolution, published in the regional press of the Azores today.
Bolieiro emphasizes in the text that following the revolution, “the participation of the people was achieved, as it had to be, with the elections the following year, precisely on April 25, 1975.” He thus welcomes “with great emotion and motivation, the democratic achievement in Portugal and in the Azores.”
The government official noted that April 25, 1975, “marked another historic moment for Portugal in democratic revolution.” He described it as “the first day of democratic elections, after almost five decades of a dictatorial regime. That event was one of the most significant in the contemporary history of Portugal, initiating a new era of freedom and political participation.”
He also highlights that the electoral results facilitated the formation of a Constituent Assembly, whose main objective was to draft a new Constitution, “a Democratic Constitution for Portugal, which would be approved in 1976,” a “crucial step for the consolidation of democracy in the country.”
After mentioning that the 1975 elections “had a profound and lasting impact on Portugal,” he acknowledged that they “marked the beginning of a new era of political participation and civil rights.”
“Portuguese democracy began to consolidate, and the country came to be seen internationally as an example of a peaceful transition from an authoritarian regime to a democracy,” he acknowledges.
According to Bolieiro, “remembering the first day of democratic elections in Portugal is a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and citizen participation.”
“The memory of this day should serve as a continuous inspiration for the defense of democratic values and human rights and for participation. April 25, 1975, should be celebrated as a symbol of the strength and will of the Portuguese people,” he added.
“The lessons from that period remain relevant today, reminding us of the indispensability of protecting and valuing democracy,” he concluded.
