For the first time, Portugal solemnly commemorates November 25th, 1975, a date that for a long time was relegated to a footnote in history books. This crucial milestone in the consolidation of Portuguese democracy has often been overlooked, only occasionally referenced by liberal-leaning parties and movements. It was only in 2019 that the date gained broader political attention when the CDS-PP proposed a commemorative vote on the 44th anniversary. Although approved, the vote faced abstentions from socialists and opposition from communist-aligned parties, revealing the ideological divide that still surrounds the significance of this day.

Unlike April 25th, widely acknowledged across the political spectrum as the starting point of Portuguese democracy, November 25th is more contentious. It is vital to remember that after the Carnation Revolution, not all military and political forces were aligned in favour of democratic freedom. For some, the fall of the Estado Novo represented an opportunity to establish a communist dictatorship, actively supported by the Soviet Union. Álvaro Cunhal, leader of the PCP, was one of the key figures behind this project. In his famous interview with Oriana Fallaci, he stated that Portugal would have neither a parliament nor elections, dismissing the role of moderate forces like Mário Soares’s PS and Sá Carneiro’s PPD.

It was the counter-coup of November 25th, 1975, that ended communist aspirations and solidified the path toward a pluralistic democracy. It is understandable that for some sectors, this official celebration is uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the historical importance of the date is undeniable: it ensured that the freedom gained in April was not replaced by another form of oppression.

Portugal’s history has been marked by instability, from the First Republic to the end of the Estado Novo. Amid revolutions, coups, and authoritarian regimes, the country has had few periods of peace conducive to political, social, and economic development. Today, we celebrate both April 25th and November 25th, but have we truly achieved the essence of freedom?

A truly free country cannot normalise government initiatives aimed at controlling information. The government’s recent action plan for the media is a concerning example. Among the announced measures are the creation of a code of conduct for the media, the gradual reduction of advertising on RTP, and the fight against disinformation. While seemingly well-intentioned, this plan raises serious questions about the independence of the press.

If the State becomes the largest “stakeholder” in information, it is natural to question the impact on press freedom. Journalists and media professionals are fully capable of exercising their judgement and assessing facts without the oversight of a government-mandated “code of conduct.” Initiatives like this dangerously resemble past experiences, such as the National Information Secretariat during the Estado Novo, which masqueraded as a public service but was in practice a propaganda tool for the regime.

Another controversial measure is the “Amália” project, an artificial intelligence tool designed to provide information in European Portuguese. While the name evokes national identity, it is concerning that the focus lies on creating tools for informational control while the country’s structural problems remain unresolved.

Five decades after April 25th and November 25th, Portugal remains one of the poorest countries in the European Union, despite being one of its largest recipients of EU funds. We face an alarming brain drain: over 20% of the population lives abroad, and the numbers keep growing. Young and qualified professionals emigrate due to a lack of opportunities, while the country grapples with unsustainable levels of public spending.

It is imperative for the government to adopt liberal policies that reduce the State’s weight in the economy and promote individual and entrepreneurial freedom. Projects like “Amália” or the media action plan fail to address the country’s real issues. In such a fragile scenario, we cannot accept resources being diverted to initiatives that appear more focused on controlling information and pseudo-patriotic propaganda than on solving Portugal’s structural problems.

Yes, we celebrate November 25th officially for the first time. But the question remains: are we truly a free country?

Author

Cláudia Nunes - Presidente of LOLA Portugal | Fellow Young Voices Europe."

Cláudia Nunes