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« Mémoires d’Avril »
Mário Soares
Soares Mário. « Mémoires d’Avril » . In: Matériaux pour l'histoire de notre temps, n°80, 2005. Mémoires d'avril : 1974-
2004, trente ans de la révolution des Oeillets au Portugal. pp. 4-7;
doi : https://doi.org/10.3406/mat.2005.1059
https://www.persee.fr/doc/mat_0769-3206_2005_num_80_1_1059
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.
« Mémoires
Mário SOARES
d’Avril »
ancien président
Témoignage de M. Mário Soares,
la République portugaise, à l’ouverture du colloque
de