Portugal: a multidimensional transition – from Colonial Empire to European integration

This abstract draws on findings from research deliverable D3.3 on transitions and postcolonialism, which has been submitted but is not yet published. It its written by André Caiado, Vanda Amaro Dias, Cristiano Gianolla and Rui Carvalho, Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra – Portugal

Portugal’s transition to democracy constitutes a multidimensional process shaped by the abrupt collapse of a long-standing authoritarian period (1926-1974), rapid decolonization, and profound socioeconomic transformation. The 25th of April 1974 military coup overthrew the dictatorial regime of the Estado Novo, whose durability rested on repression, imperial consensus, and Cold War geopolitics. The regime’s survival was closely tied to the preservation of the colonial empire, yet the protracted Colonial War (1961-1974), international pressure, and economic exhaustion ultimately precipitated its downfall.

The transition unfolded through an abrupt rupture led by mid-ranking military officers, whose agenda - decolonize, democratize, and develop - redefined the Portuguese SC. Decolonization proceeded rapidly, resulting in the independence of African territories and the return of over 500,000 migrants, whose integration significantly contributed to the consolidation of the welfare state. The revolutionary period (1974-1976) was marked by intense popular mobilization, worker occupations, agrarian reform, and political experimentation, which altogether reshaped state-society relations.

Despite economic recession and political instability, Portugal institutionalized its democracy through free elections and the 1976 Constitution, which expanded social, economic, and political rights. European integration further reinforced democratic consolidation and welfare expansion. While inequalities and exclusions persisted – particularly regarding gender and post-imperial citizenship – the Portuguese case illustrates how intertwined processes of revolution, decolonization, democratization, and welfare-state building collectively reconfigured the SC in a relatively short historical period.