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127-871: FLAMA carried out around 200 bomb attacks between 1974 and 1976, during the revolutionary period that followed the Portuguese Carnation Revolution (April 25, 1974). The Carnation Revolution effectively changed the Portuguese regime from an authoritarian dictatorship (the Estado Novo ) to a democracy (the Third Republic ), but only after two years of a transitional period known as PREC ( Processo Revolucionário Em Curso , Portuguese for Ongoing Revolutionary Process ), characterized by social turmoil and power disputes between left and right wing political forces. During this period

254-534: A UN member state as Guinea-Bissau . This was followed in 1975 by the independence of Cape Verde , Mozambique , São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola in Africa and the declaration of independence of East Timor in Southeast Asia . These events prompted a mass exodus of Portuguese citizens from Portugal's African territories (mostly from Angola and Mozambique), creating over a million Portuguese "returned" –

381-581: A decades-long civil war which involved the Soviet Union , Cuba, South Africa, and the United States. Millions of Angolans died in the aftermath of independence due to armed conflict, malnutrition and disease. After a brief period of stability, Mozambique became embroiled in a civil war which left it one of the poorest nations in the world. The country's situation improved after the 1990s, and multi-party elections have been held. East Timor

508-458: A decades-long civil war which involved the Soviet Union , Cuba, South Africa, and the United States. Millions of Angolans died in the aftermath of independence due to armed conflict, malnutrition and disease. After a brief period of stability, Mozambique became embroiled in a civil war which left it one of the poorest nations in the world. The country's situation improved after the 1990s, and multi-party elections have been held. East Timor

635-535: A FLAMA flag in Parliament to prove that displaying such a flag was a crime, as that was the “flag of bombs”. In 1997, the Forum for Madeira's Autonomy, or FAMA (Portuguese: Fórum para a Autonomia da Madeira ), was created, which advocated for more autonomy. Although they rejected FLAMA's claims for independence, one of its members, Jaime Ramos, stated “Total autonomy” in reference to the archipelago. The organization

762-461: A Saturday, a bomb attack was perpetrated and its target was the national news station, Emissora Nacional . The attackers made use of 200 grams of dynamite , but the attack did not cause much damage and was intended to serve as a warning. On 23 August, FLAMA struck Emissora Nacional once again, and at 3:16am, a bomb exploded at its headquarters in Funchal . The organization stated that it viewed

889-457: A brief training course and had served in the colonies' defensive campaigns at the same rank as academy graduates. In February 1974, Caetano decided to remove General António de Spínola from the command of Portuguese forces in Guinea in the face of Spínola's increasing disagreement with the promotion of military officers and the direction of Portuguese colonial policy. This occurred shortly after

1016-404: A brief training course and had served in the colonies' defensive campaigns at the same rank as academy graduates. In February 1974, Caetano decided to remove General António de Spínola from the command of Portuguese forces in Guinea in the face of Spínola's increasing disagreement with the promotion of military officers and the direction of Portuguese colonial policy. This occurred shortly after

1143-410: A car explosion set by FLAMA. FLAMA's first deadly attack took place on 23 August 1978, when a car bomb was set and the 19 year-old operational, João Alberto, who was installing it was killed. Another member, Alírio Paulo Fernandes, committed suicide while detained by the police. However, suicide was never confirmed as the cause of death which led to protests during his funeral, where independents accused

1270-488: A group of expatriates who had returned to Portugal following the war for independence of Angola and Mozambique and who demanded higher standards of living, three more attacks took place on the 10th, 12th, 15th and 21 October. After establishing contact with FLA, FLAMA's boldest attack took place on November 13. At the Santa Catarina airport , there were three planes, one of them a military one called Noratlas of

1397-578: A growing economy sparked new technical and organisational challenges. On 13 November 1972, Fundo do Ultramar (The Overseas Fund, a sovereign wealth fund ) was enacted with Decreto-Lei n.º 448/ /72 and the Ministry of Defence ordinance Portaria 696/72 to finance the war. The increasing burden of the war effort meant that the government had to find continuous sources of financing. Decreto-Lei n.º 353, of 13 July 1973 and Decreto-Lei n.º 409 of 20 August 1973 were enforced to reduce military expenses and increase

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1524-522: A growing economy sparked new technical and organisational challenges. On 13 November 1972, Fundo do Ultramar (The Overseas Fund, a sovereign wealth fund ) was enacted with Decreto-Lei n.º 448/ /72 and the Ministry of Defence ordinance Portaria 696/72 to finance the war. The increasing burden of the war effort meant that the government had to find continuous sources of financing. Decreto-Lei n.º 353, of 13 July 1973 and Decreto-Lei n.º 409 of 20 August 1973 were enforced to reduce military expenses and increase

1651-435: A million Portuguese "returned" – the retornados . The Carnation Revolution got its name from the fact that almost no shots were fired, and from restaurant worker Celeste Caeiro who offered carnations to soldiers when the population took to the streets to celebrate the end of the dictatorship. Other demonstrators followed suit and placed carnations in the muzzles of guns and on soldiers' uniforms. In Portugal, 25 April

1778-472: A profound impact on the country. The revolutionary Armed Forces Movement (MFA) began as an attempt to liberate Portugal from the Estado Novo regime and challenge new military laws which were coming into force . The laws would reduce the military budget and reformulate the Portuguese military. Younger military-academy graduates resented Caetano's programme of commissioning militia officers who completed

1905-412: A profound impact on the country. The revolutionary Armed Forces Movement (MFA) began as an attempt to liberate Portugal from the Estado Novo regime and challenge new military laws which were coming into force . The laws would reduce the military budget and reformulate the Portuguese military. Younger military-academy graduates resented Caetano's programme of commissioning militia officers who completed

2032-562: A turbulent period, known as the Processo Revolucionário Em Curso (Ongoing Revolutionary Process). The conservative forces surrounding Spinola and the MFA radicals initially confronted each other covertly or overtly, and Spinola was forced to appoint key MFA figures to senior security positions. Right-wing military figures attempted an unsuccessful counter-coup , leading to Spinola's removal from office. Unrest within

2159-426: A turbulent period, known as the Processo Revolucionário Em Curso (Ongoing Revolutionary Process). The conservative forces surrounding Spinola and the MFA radicals initially confronted each other covertly or overtly, and Spinola was forced to appoint key MFA figures to senior security positions. Right-wing military figures attempted an unsuccessful counter-coup , leading to Spinola's removal from office. Unrest within

2286-463: Is a national holiday ( Portuguese : Dia da Liberdade , Freedom Day) that commemorates the revolution. By the 1970s, nearly a half-century of authoritarian rule weighed on Portugal. The 28 May 1926 coup d'état implemented an authoritarian regime incorporating social Catholicism and integralism . In 1933, the regime was renamed the Estado Novo (New State). António de Oliveira Salazar served as Prime Minister until 1968. In sham elections

2413-463: Is a national holiday ( Portuguese : Dia da Liberdade , Freedom Day) that commemorates the revolution. By the 1970s, nearly a half-century of authoritarian rule weighed on Portugal. The 28 May 1926 coup d'état implemented an authoritarian regime incorporating social Catholicism and integralism . In 1933, the regime was renamed the Estado Novo (New State). António de Oliveira Salazar served as Prime Minister until 1968. In sham elections

2540-684: Is thought to have been made up of young, anti-communist students. A similar group in the Azores Archipelago , called Frente de Libertação dos Açores , established contact in October 1975. After the normalization of the Portuguese political system , early in 1976, and the constitutional grant of autonomy to the Portuguese North Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and Azores , the organization slowed down. However,

2667-401: The retornados . The Carnation Revolution got its name from the fact that almost no shots were fired, and from restaurant worker Celeste Caeiro who offered carnations to soldiers when the population took to the streets to celebrate the end of the dictatorship. Other demonstrators followed suit and placed carnations in the muzzles of guns and on soldiers' uniforms. In Portugal, 25 April

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2794-517: The 25 April (Portuguese: 25 de Abril ), was a military coup by military officers that overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo government on 25 April 1974 in Lisbon, producing major social, economic, territorial, demographic, and political changes in Portugal and its overseas colonies through the Processo Revolucionário Em Curso . It resulted in the Portuguese transition to democracy and

2921-673: The 25 de Abril Bridge began on 5 November 1962. It opened on 6 August 1966 as the Salazar Bridge, named after Estado Novo leader António de Oliveira Salazar . Soon after the Carnation Revolution of 1974, the bridge was renamed the 25 de Abril Bridge to commemorate the revolution. Citizens who removed the large, brass "Salazar" sign from a main pillar of the bridge and painted a provisional "25 de Abril" in its place were recorded on film. Many Portuguese streets and squares are named vinte e cinco de Abril (25 April), for

3048-537: The 25 de Abril Bridge began on 5 November 1962. It opened on 6 August 1966 as the Salazar Bridge, named after Estado Novo leader António de Oliveira Salazar . Soon after the Carnation Revolution of 1974, the bridge was renamed the 25 de Abril Bridge to commemorate the revolution. Citizens who removed the large, brass "Salazar" sign from a main pillar of the bridge and painted a provisional "25 de Abril" in its place were recorded on film. Many Portuguese streets and squares are named vinte e cinco de Abril (25 April), for

3175-566: The Portuguese Air Force . At the time, there were rumors that the military plane was supposed to carry a sum of money out of Madeira and to the mainland, and at 4:10, a bomb explodes under the plane's cockpit , which causes significant damage to the plane and a fire at the airport. No suspects were detained due to the lack of evidence. After a period of conversation and turmoil on the mainland, where elections had just taken place and Azores has plans of institutional autonomy , FLAMA

3302-618: The Processo Revolucionário Em Curso . It resulted in the Portuguese transition to democracy and the end of the Portuguese Colonial War . The revolution began as a coup organised by the Armed Forces Movement (Portuguese: Movimento das Forças Armadas , MFA), composed of military officers who opposed the regime, but it was soon coupled with an unanticipated popular civil resistance campaign. Negotiations with African independence movements began, and by

3429-511: The 1960s, the outbreak of colonial wars in Africa set off significant social changes, among them the rapid incorporation of women into the labour market. Independence movements began in the African colonies of Portuguese Mozambique , Portuguese Congo , Portuguese Angola , and Portuguese Guinea . The Salazar and Caetano regimes responded with diverting more and more of Portugal's budget to colonial administration and military expenditure , and

3556-456: The 1960s, the outbreak of colonial wars in Africa set off significant social changes, among them the rapid incorporation of women into the labour market. Independence movements began in the African colonies of Portuguese Mozambique , Portuguese Congo , Portuguese Angola , and Portuguese Guinea . The Salazar and Caetano regimes responded with diverting more and more of Portugal's budget to colonial administration and military expenditure , and

3683-409: The 1961–1974 Portuguese Colonial War . Salazar had a stroke in 1968, and was replaced as prime minister by Marcelo Caetano , who adopted a slogan of "continuous evolution", suggesting reforms, such as a monthly pension to rural workers who had never contributed to Portugal's social security . Caetano's Primavera Marcelista (Marcelist Spring) included greater political tolerance and freedom of

3810-409: The 1961–1974 Portuguese Colonial War . Salazar had a stroke in 1968, and was replaced as prime minister by Marcelo Caetano , who adopted a slogan of "continuous evolution", suggesting reforms, such as a monthly pension to rural workers who had never contributed to Portugal's social security . Caetano's Primavera Marcelista (Marcelist Spring) included greater political tolerance and freedom of

3937-519: The EEC average, slightly exceeding the level at the height of the revolutionary period. A January 2011 story in the Diário de Notícias (a Portuguese tabloid format newspaper) reported that the government of Portugal encouraged overspending and investment bubbles in public-private partnerships between 1974 and 2010, and the economy has been damaged by risky credit , public debt creation, overstaffing in

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4064-418: The EEC average, slightly exceeding the level at the height of the revolutionary period. A January 2011 story in the Diário de Notícias (a Portuguese tabloid format newspaper) reported that the government of Portugal encouraged overspending and investment bubbles in public-private partnerships between 1974 and 2010, and the economy has been damaged by risky credit , public debt creation, overstaffing in

4191-578: The EEC average. Due to revolutionary economic policies, oil shocks, recession in Europe and the return of hundreds of thousands of overseas Portuguese from its former colonies, Portugal began an economic crisis in 1974–1975. Real gross domestic product growth resumed as a result of Portugal's economic resurgence since 1985 and adhesion to the European Economic Community (EEC). The country's 1991 per-capita GDP reached 54.9 percent of

4318-445: The EEC average. Due to revolutionary economic policies, oil shocks, recession in Europe and the return of hundreds of thousands of overseas Portuguese from its former colonies, Portugal began an economic crisis in 1974–1975. Real gross domestic product growth resumed as a result of Portugal's economic resurgence since 1985 and adhesion to the European Economic Community (EEC). The country's 1991 per-capita GDP reached 54.9 percent of

4445-465: The European Union. The constitution of 1976 guarantees all religions the right to practise, and non-Catholic groups are recognised as legal entities with the right to assemble . Non-Catholic conscientious objectors have the right to apply for alternative military service. The Catholic Church , however, still sought to impede other missionary activity. Construction of what is now called

4572-401: The European Union. The constitution of 1976 guarantees all religions the right to practise, and non-Catholic groups are recognised as legal entities with the right to assemble . Non-Catholic conscientious objectors have the right to apply for alternative military service. The Catholic Church , however, still sought to impede other missionary activity. Construction of what is now called

4699-724: The Land Reform Review Law the following year. Restoration of illegally occupied land began in 1978. In 1960, Portugal's per-capita GDP was 38 percent of the European Economic Community average. By the end of the Salazar period in 1968 it had risen to 48 percent, and in 1973 it had reached 56.4 percent; the percentages were affected by the 40 percent of the budget which underwrote the African wars. In 1975 (the year of greatest revolutionary turmoil), Portugal's per-capita GDP declined to 52.3 percent of

4826-513: The Land Reform Review Law the following year. Restoration of illegally occupied land began in 1978. In 1960, Portugal's per-capita GDP was 38 percent of the European Economic Community average. By the end of the Salazar period in 1968 it had risen to 48 percent, and in 1973 it had reached 56.4 percent; the percentages were affected by the 40 percent of the budget which underwrote the African wars. In 1975 (the year of greatest revolutionary turmoil), Portugal's per-capita GDP declined to 52.3 percent of

4953-580: The MFA between leftist forces often close to the Communist Party , and more moderate groups often allied with the Socialists eventually led to the group's splintering and dissolution. This stage of the PREC lasted until the coup of 25 November 1975 , led by a group of far-left officers, specifically Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho. It was said to be a Communist plot to seize power, in order to discredit

5080-407: The MFA between leftist forces often close to the Communist Party , and more moderate groups often allied with the Socialists eventually led to the group's splintering and dissolution. This stage of the PREC lasted until the coup of 25 November 1975 , led by a group of far-left officers, specifically Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho. It was said to be a Communist plot to seize power, in order to discredit

5207-738: The Madeira Archipelago was founded. On 2 April, the Portuguese Constitution was approved in the Parliament , and in it, there were 10 articles which granted political and administrative autonomy to the Azores and Madeira. FLAMA's most complex operation of the time took place in June. Involving 25 people and a bomb weighing 12 kilograms of gelignite , the bomb was placed under a bridge in Água-de-Pena , whose target

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5334-479: The PVDE, Polícia de Vigilância e Defesa do Estado), persecuted opponents of the regime, who were often tortured, imprisoned or killed. In 1958, General Humberto Delgado , a former member of the regime, stood against the regime's presidential candidate, Américo Tomás , and refused to allow his name to be withdrawn. Tomás won the election amidst claims of widespread electoral fraud, and the Salazar government abandoned

5461-428: The PVDE, Polícia de Vigilância e Defesa do Estado), persecuted opponents of the regime, who were often tortured, imprisoned or killed. In 1958, General Humberto Delgado , a former member of the regime, stood against the regime's presidential candidate, Américo Tomás , and refused to allow his name to be withdrawn. Tomás won the election amidst claims of widespread electoral fraud, and the Salazar government abandoned

5588-471: The Portuguese Army had retreated. A consequence of the Carnation Revolution was the sudden withdrawal of Portuguese administrative and military personnel from its overseas colonies. Hundreds of thousands of Portuguese Africans returned to Portugal, becoming known as the retornados . These people—workers, small business people, and farmers—often had deep roots in the former colonies. Angola began

5715-406: The Portuguese Army had retreated. A consequence of the Carnation Revolution was the sudden withdrawal of Portuguese administrative and military personnel from its overseas colonies. Hundreds of thousands of Portuguese Africans returned to Portugal, becoming known as the retornados . These people—workers, small business people, and farmers—often had deep roots in the former colonies. Angola began

5842-400: The country became increasingly isolated from the rest of the world, facing increasing internal dissent, arms embargoes and other international sanctions . By the early-1970s, the Portuguese military was overstretched and there was no political solution in sight. Although the number of casualties was relatively small, the war had entered its second decade; Portugal faced criticism from

5969-400: The country became increasingly isolated from the rest of the world, facing increasing internal dissent, arms embargoes and other international sanctions . By the early-1970s, the Portuguese military was overstretched and there was no political solution in sight. Although the number of casualties was relatively small, the war had entered its second decade; Portugal faced criticism from

6096-572: The country became increasingly polarised. Thousands of left-wing students and anti-war activists avoided conscription by emigrating illegally , primarily to France and the United States . Meanwhile three generations of right-wing militants in Portuguese schools were guided by a revolutionary nationalism partially influenced by European neo-fascism , and supported the Portuguese Empire and an authoritarian regime. The war had

6223-443: The country became increasingly polarised. Thousands of left-wing students and anti-war activists avoided conscription by emigrating illegally , primarily to France and the United States . Meanwhile three generations of right-wing militants in Portuguese schools were guided by a revolutionary nationalism partially influenced by European neo-fascism , and supported the Portuguese Empire and an authoritarian regime. The war had

6350-424: The day of the revolution. The Portuguese Mint chose the 40th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution for its 2014 2 euro commemorative coin . Freedom Day (25 April) is a national holiday , with state-sponsored and spontaneous commemorations of the civil liberties and political freedoms achieved after the revolution. It commemorates the 25 April 1974 revolution and Portugal's first free elections on that date

6477-424: The day of the revolution. The Portuguese Mint chose the 40th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution for its 2014 2 euro commemorative coin . Freedom Day (25 April) is a national holiday , with state-sponsored and spontaneous commemorations of the civil liberties and political freedoms achieved after the revolution. It commemorates the 25 April 1974 revolution and Portugal's first free elections on that date

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6604-400: The decolonisation period, and established multi-party political systems by the early 1990s. By a treaty signed in 1974, Portugal recognised the incorporation of former Portuguese India into India . The 1961 annexation of the tiny Portuguese colony of Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá by Benin was also recognised by Portugal in 1975. A 1978 Portuguese offer to return Macau to China

6731-400: The decolonisation period, and established multi-party political systems by the early 1990s. By a treaty signed in 1974, Portugal recognised the incorporation of former Portuguese India into India . The 1961 annexation of the tiny Portuguese colony of Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá by Benin was also recognised by Portugal in 1975. A 1978 Portuguese offer to return Macau to China

6858-571: The disc jockey at Emissores Associados de Lisboa gave the time signal Falta cinco minutos às vinte e três at 10:55 p.m. on 24 April before turntabling Paulo de Carvalho 's " E Depois do Adeus " (Portugal's entry in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest ). This alerted rebel captains and soldiers to begin the coup. The second signal came at 12:20 a.m. on 25 April, when Rádio Renascença broadcast " Grândola, Vila Morena " (a song by Zeca Afonso , an influential political folk musician and singer, many of whose songs were banned from Portuguese radio at

6985-571: The disc jockey at Emissores Associados de Lisboa gave the time signal Falta cinco minutos às vinte e três at 10:55 p.m. on 24 April before turntabling Paulo de Carvalho 's " E Depois do Adeus " (Portugal's entry in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest ). This alerted rebel captains and soldiers to begin the coup. The second signal came at 12:20 a.m. on 25 April, when Rádio Renascença broadcast " Grândola, Vila Morena " (a song by Zeca Afonso , an influential political folk musician and singer, many of whose songs were banned from Portuguese radio at

7112-641: The dos Santos family ( Jerónimo Martins ). One of the largest was the Companhia União Fabril (CUF), with a wide range of interests including cement, petro and agro chemicals, textiles, beverages, naval and electrical engineering, insurance , banking, paper, tourism and mining, with branches, plants and projects throughout the Portuguese Empire. Other medium-sized family companies specialised in textiles (such as those in Covilhã and

7239-446: The dos Santos family ( Jerónimo Martins ). One of the largest was the Companhia União Fabril (CUF), with a wide range of interests including cement, petro and agro chemicals, textiles, beverages, naval and electrical engineering, insurance , banking, paper, tourism and mining, with branches, plants and projects throughout the Portuguese Empire. Other medium-sized family companies specialised in textiles (such as those in Covilhã and

7366-442: The early-1970s. Rural families engaged in agriculture and forestry. Income from the colonies came from resource extraction, of oil, coffee, cotton, cashews, coconuts, timber, minerals (including diamonds), metals (such as iron and aluminium), bananas, citrus, tea, sisal, beer, cement, fish and other seafood, beef and textiles. Labour unions were subject to severe restrictions, and minimum wage laws were not enforced. Starting in

7493-442: The early-1970s. Rural families engaged in agriculture and forestry. Income from the colonies came from resource extraction, of oil, coffee, cotton, cashews, coconuts, timber, minerals (including diamonds), metals (such as iron and aluminium), bananas, citrus, tea, sisal, beer, cement, fish and other seafood, beef and textiles. Labour unions were subject to severe restrictions, and minimum wage laws were not enforced. Starting in

7620-473: The end of 1974, Portuguese troops were withdrawn from Portuguese Guinea , which became a UN member state as Guinea-Bissau . This was followed in 1975 by the independence of Cape Verde , Mozambique , São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola in Africa and the declaration of independence of East Timor in Southeast Asia . These events prompted a mass exodus of Portuguese citizens from Portugal's African territories (mostly from Angola and Mozambique), creating over

7747-460: The end of the Portuguese Colonial War . The revolution began as a coup organised by the Armed Forces Movement (Portuguese: Movimento das Forças Armadas , MFA), composed of military officers who opposed the regime, but it was soon coupled with an unanticipated popular civil resistance campaign. Negotiations with African independence movements began, and by the end of 1974, Portuguese troops were withdrawn from Portuguese Guinea , which became

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7874-465: The end of the organisation in 1978, their names and roles were not known and so no legal prosecution was pursued. Afterwards, the members have recused themselves from the bombings, stating that "there were people who made use of FLAMA's brand". José Carvalho, an outspoken ex-director of FLAMA, recently passed away. The FLAMA flag is composed of a blue-yellow-blue vertical triband, and in the yellow sections there are five small shields. The blue represents

8001-413: The end of the organization is thought to have taken place in 1978, which was confirmed by one of its most prominent members Daniel Drumont, "The movement ended in 1978, (...) when Portugal was walking towards a communist dictatorship, but now it's extinct". João Costa Miranda and Daniel Drumond are still vocal about FLAMA's recent controversies, trying to dissociated themselves from recent events, but after

8128-506: The environment that characterizes the island and represents nobility and serenity. The yellow mirrors the climate of the Archipelago, a symbol of richness, strength, faith and purity. The five shields, which are also present in the Portuguese flag stand for the five wounds of Christ (Portuguese: Cinco Chagas de Cristo ) when crucified, and are typically associated with the legend in which Count Afonso Henriques (future Afonso I) "killed

8255-438: The explosion. On that same day, FLAMA releases pamphlets stating its intentions to start a provisional government of Madeira and asking for the recognition of FLAMA "as the true representative of the will of Madeira's people". However, the director of FLAMA at the time, José Carvalho, has stated that the move was "pure propaganda". Another attack followed, in the morning of 31 August, when another banker's car, João Abel Azevedo,

8382-471: The first constitutional government, led by centre-left socialist Mário Soares , took office. Before April 1974, the intractable Portuguese colonial war in Africa consumed up to 40 percent of the Portuguese budget. Although part of Guinea-Bissau became independent de facto in 1973, Bissau (its capital) and the large towns were still under Portuguese control. In Angola and Mozambique independence movements were active in more remote rural areas from which

8509-471: The first constitutional government, led by centre-left socialist Mário Soares , took office. Before April 1974, the intractable Portuguese colonial war in Africa consumed up to 40 percent of the Portuguese budget. Although part of Guinea-Bissau became independent de facto in 1973, Bissau (its capital) and the large towns were still under Portuguese control. In Angola and Mozambique independence movements were active in more remote rural areas from which

8636-507: The five Moorish kings of the Seville, Badajoz, Elvas, Évora and Beja taifas . Hence, in gratitude to Jesus, he incorporated five shields arranged in a cross—representing his divine-led victory over the five enemy kings—with each one carrying Christ's five wounds in the form of silver bezants. The sum of all bezants (doubling the ones in the central shield) would give thirty, symbolizing Judas Iscarot 's thirty pieces of silver ". The flag

8763-447: The following year. Carnation Revolution The Carnation Revolution ( Portuguese : Revolução dos Cravos ), also known as the 25 April (Portuguese: 25 de Abril ), was a military coup by military officers that overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo government on 25 April 1974 in Lisbon, producing major social, economic, territorial, demographic, and political changes in Portugal and its overseas colonies through

8890-414: The formation of large conglomerates . The regime maintained a policy of corporatism which resulted in the placement of much of the economy in the hands of conglomerates including those founded by the families of António Champalimaud ( Banco Totta & Açores , Banco Pinto & Sotto Mayor , Secil , Cimpor ), José Manuel de Mello ( Companhia União Fabril ), Américo Amorim ( Corticeira Amorim ) and

9017-414: The formation of large conglomerates . The regime maintained a policy of corporatism which resulted in the placement of much of the economy in the hands of conglomerates including those founded by the families of António Champalimaud ( Banco Totta & Açores , Banco Pinto & Sotto Mayor , Secil , Cimpor ), José Manuel de Mello ( Companhia União Fabril ), Américo Amorim ( Corticeira Amorim ) and

9144-678: The former President of the regional government of Madeira , co-founder of the Madeiran branch of the popular centre-right-wing Portuguese party PSD and former Vice-president of the European People's Party . However, he has denied any connection to FLAMA, stating that “contrary to what my political adversaries have accused me of- it's not that FLAMA was dishonourable, on the contrary actually-, I not only have never belonged to its organizations, as I also never established any contact with them. Everyone had their role in defending democracy. Mine

9271-578: The government (and the opposition) were planning the succession of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco . Franco died a year and a half later, in 1975. Four civilians were shot dead by government forces under the Directorate General of Security, whose personnel involved were later arrested by the MFA for their murders. After the coup, power was held by the National Salvation Junta (a military junta). Portugal experienced

9398-431: The government (and the opposition) were planning the succession of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco . Franco died a year and a half later, in 1975. Four civilians were shot dead by government forces under the Directorate General of Security, whose personnel involved were later arrested by the MFA for their murders. After the coup, power was held by the National Salvation Junta (a military junta). Portugal experienced

9525-502: The government candidate usually ran unopposed, while the opposition used the limited political freedoms allowed during the brief election period to protest, withdrawing their candidates before the election to deny the regime political legitimacy . The Estado Novo's political police, the PIDE (Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado, later the DGS, Direcção-Geral de Segurança and originally

9652-403: The government candidate usually ran unopposed, while the opposition used the limited political freedoms allowed during the brief election period to protest, withdrawing their candidates before the election to deny the regime political legitimacy . The Estado Novo's political police, the PIDE (Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado, later the DGS, Direcção-Geral de Segurança and originally

9779-593: The international community, and was becoming increasingly isolated. In 1973 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for Portugal's immediate withdrawal from Guinea. Atrocities such as the Wiriyamu Massacre undermined the war's popularity and the government's diplomatic position, although details of the massacre are still disputed. The war became unpopular in Portugal, and

9906-399: The international community, and was becoming increasingly isolated. In 1973 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for Portugal's immediate withdrawal from Guinea. Atrocities such as the Wiriyamu Massacre undermined the war's popularity and the government's diplomatic position, although details of the massacre are still disputed. The war became unpopular in Portugal, and

10033-548: The main headquarters of the Lisbon military police, the National Republican Guard , at the Largo do Carmo. This building was surrounded by the MFA, which pressured him to cede power to General Spínola. Caetano and President Américo Tomás were sent to Brazil; Caetano spent the rest of his life there, and Tomás returned to Portugal a few years later. The revolution was closely watched by neighbouring Spain, where

10160-418: The main headquarters of the Lisbon military police, the National Republican Guard , at the Largo do Carmo. This building was surrounded by the MFA, which pressured him to cede power to General Spínola. Caetano and President Américo Tomás were sent to Brazil; Caetano spent the rest of his life there, and Tomás returned to Portugal a few years later. The revolution was closely watched by neighbouring Spain, where

10287-465: The military coup into a popular revolution "led by radical army officers, soldiers, workers and peasants that toppled the senile Salazar dictatorship, using the language of socialism and democracy. The attempt to radicalise the outcome", noted a contemporary observer of the time, "had little mass support and was easily suppressed by the Socialist Party and its allies." Caetano found refuge in

10414-401: The military coup into a popular revolution "led by radical army officers, soldiers, workers and peasants that toppled the senile Salazar dictatorship, using the language of socialism and democracy. The attempt to radicalise the outcome", noted a contemporary observer of the time, "had little mass support and was easily suppressed by the Socialist Party and its allies." Caetano found refuge in

10541-518: The new government withdrew from Angola and Mozambique , the last Portuguese colonies on mainland Africa. Some in Madeira thought that their area should be the next to separate. FLAMA's demands were more a right-wing political reaction by some of the regional elites to the left-wing nature of the Revolution and its main actors, than a truly ethnic or nationalist separatist goal. The group

10668-404: The news station as "leftist propaganda". Following that attack, whose main aim was to neutralize the electronic equipment of the station and therefore stop the news casting, a series of other attacks followed. Less than 24 hours later, another explosion took place at a bakery. The next bomb attack took place on 29 August, when a car from a well known politically left-oriented banker was the target of

10795-636: The northwest), ceramics, porcelain, glass and crystal (such as those in Alcobaça , Caldas da Rainha and Marinha Grande ), engineered wood (such as SONAE , near Porto ), canned fish ( Algarve and the northwest), fishing, food and beverages (liqueurs, beer and port wine ), tourism (in Estoril , Cascais , Sintra and the Algarve ) and agriculture (the Alentejo , known as the breadbasket of Portugal) by

10922-418: The northwest), ceramics, porcelain, glass and crystal (such as those in Alcobaça , Caldas da Rainha and Marinha Grande ), engineered wood (such as SONAE , near Porto ), canned fish ( Algarve and the northwest), fishing, food and beverages (liqueurs, beer and port wine ), tourism (in Estoril , Cascais , Sintra and the Algarve ) and agriculture (the Alentejo , known as the breadbasket of Portugal) by

11049-442: The number of officers by incorporating militia and military-academy officers as equals. According to government estimates, about 900,000 hectares (2,200,000 acres) of agricultural land were seized between April 1974 and December 1975 as part of land reform ; about 32 percent of the appropriations were ruled illegal. In January 1976, the government pledged to restore the illegally occupied land to its owners in 1976, and enacted

11176-442: The number of officers by incorporating militia and military-academy officers as equals. According to government estimates, about 900,000 hectares (2,200,000 acres) of agricultural land were seized between April 1974 and December 1975 as part of land reform ; about 32 percent of the appropriations were ruled illegal. In January 1976, the government pledged to restore the illegally occupied land to its owners in 1976, and enacted

11303-420: The police of abuse of power. Following this event, FLAMA dispersed and there are no more records of any bombings. While it is said in multiple sources that the organization vanished due to its diminishing importance after 1976 and the establishment of Madeira as an autonomous region, recent news indicates the opposite. Allegedly one of FLAMA's most important activists was the controversial Alberto João Jardim ,

11430-412: The powerful Communist Party. It was followed by a successful counter-coup by more centrist officers, and was marked by constant friction between liberal-democratic forces and leftist-communist political parties. Portugal's first free election was held on 25 April 1975 to write a new constitution replacing the 1933 constitution in force during the Estado Novo era. Another election was held in 1976, and

11557-412: The powerful Communist Party. It was followed by a successful counter-coup by more centrist officers, and was marked by constant friction between liberal-democratic forces and leftist-communist political parties. Portugal's first free election was held on 25 April 1975 to write a new constitution replacing the 1933 constitution in force during the Estado Novo era. Another election was held in 1976, and

11684-551: The practice of popularly electing the president and gave the task to the National Assembly . Portugal's Estado Novo government remained neutral in the second world war, and was initially tolerated by its NATO post-war partners due to its anti-communist stance. As the Cold War developed, Western Bloc and Eastern Bloc states vied with each other in supporting guerrillas in the Portuguese colonies , leading to

11811-429: The practice of popularly electing the president and gave the task to the National Assembly . Portugal's Estado Novo government remained neutral in the second world war, and was initially tolerated by its NATO post-war partners due to its anti-communist stance. As the Cold War developed, Western Bloc and Eastern Bloc states vied with each other in supporting guerrillas in the Portuguese colonies , leading to

11938-456: The press , and was seen as an opportunity for the opposition to gain concessions from the regime. In 1969, Caetano authorised the country's first democratic labour union movement since the 1920s. However, after the elections of 1969 and 1973 , hard-liners in the government and the military pushed back against Caetano, with political repression against communists and anti-colonialists . The Estado Novo regime's economic policy encouraged

12065-456: The press , and was seen as an opportunity for the opposition to gain concessions from the regime. In 1969, Caetano authorised the country's first democratic labour union movement since the 1920s. However, after the elections of 1969 and 1973 , hard-liners in the government and the military pushed back against Caetano, with political repression against communists and anti-colonialists . The Estado Novo regime's economic policy encouraged

12192-411: The press was the following: “Today, 1 July 2011, the day of the autonomy that doesn't deserve to be celebrated, Madeira's people woke up to an archipelago “dressed up” with its flag, and, after 35 years, it is a good time to reflect on what FLAMA has always proposed and what was accepted with open arms by some and questioned by others". This was followed by a member of Parliament, António Fontes, displaying

12319-498: The public sector, a rigid labour market and mismanaged European Union 's structural and cohesion funds for almost four decades. Prime Minister José Sócrates ' cabinet was unable to foresee or forestall this when symptoms first appeared in 2005, and could not ameliorate the situation when Portugal was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2011 and required financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and

12446-418: The public sector, a rigid labour market and mismanaged European Union 's structural and cohesion funds for almost four decades. Prime Minister José Sócrates ' cabinet was unable to foresee or forestall this when symptoms first appeared in 2005, and could not ameliorate the situation when Portugal was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2011 and required financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and

12573-722: The publication of Spínola's book, Portugal and the Future , which expressed his political and military views of the Portuguese Colonial War. Several military officers who opposed the war formed the MFA to overthrow the government in a military coup . The MFA was headed by Vítor Alves , Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho and Vasco Lourenço, and was joined later by Salgueiro Maia . The movement was aided by other Portuguese army officers who supported Spínola and democratic civil and military reform. The coup had two secret signals. First,

12700-545: The publication of Spínola's book, Portugal and the Future , which expressed his political and military views of the Portuguese Colonial War. Several military officers who opposed the war formed the MFA to overthrow the government in a military coup . The MFA was headed by Vítor Alves , Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho and Vasco Lourenço, and was joined later by Salgueiro Maia . The movement was aided by other Portuguese army officers who supported Spínola and democratic civil and military reform. The coup had two secret signals. First,

12827-472: The region of Madeira were signed. Although FLAMA's activities were more sparse, the organization was still active. In the following months, merchandise featuring FLAMA's flag was distributed along with a new currency named " zarco ", which was supposed to act as Madeira's new currency. On 24 March, FLAMA decided to take on a political and organized approach, and so the Political Association of

12954-427: The revolution it was an underdeveloped country with poor infrastructure , inefficient agriculture and some of the worst health and education indicators in Europe. Pre-revolutionary Portugal had some social and economic achievements. After a long period of economic decline before 1914, the Portuguese economy recovered slightly until 1950. It began a period of economic growth in common with Western Europe, of which it

13081-427: The revolution it was an underdeveloped country with poor infrastructure , inefficient agriculture and some of the worst health and education indicators in Europe. Pre-revolutionary Portugal had some social and economic achievements. After a long period of economic decline before 1914, the Portuguese economy recovered slightly until 1950. It began a period of economic growth in common with Western Europe, of which it

13208-425: The streets – mingling with, and supporting, the military insurgents. A central gathering point was the Lisbon flower market, then richly stocked with carnations (which were in season). Some of the insurgents put carnations in their gun barrels , an image broadcast on television worldwide which gave the revolution its name. Although no mass demonstrations preceded the coup, spontaneous civilian involvement turned

13335-425: The streets – mingling with, and supporting, the military insurgents. A central gathering point was the Lisbon flower market, then richly stocked with carnations (which were in season). Some of the insurgents put carnations in their gun barrels , an image broadcast on television worldwide which gave the revolution its name. Although no mass demonstrations preceded the coup, spontaneous civilian involvement turned

13462-552: The time). The MFA gave the signals to take over strategic points of power in the country. The content of the songs was largely uncontroversial—censorship would have prevented more inflammatory songs—their broadcasting was a signal, not a direct call to arms. Six hours later, the Caetano government relented. Despite repeated radio appeals from the "captains of April" (the MFA) advising civilians to stay home, thousands of Portuguese took to

13589-448: The time). The MFA gave the signals to take over strategic points of power in the country. The content of the songs was largely uncontroversial—censorship would have prevented more inflammatory songs—their broadcasting was a signal, not a direct call to arms. Six hours later, the Caetano government relented. Despite repeated radio appeals from the "captains of April" (the MFA) advising civilians to stay home, thousands of Portuguese took to

13716-463: The walls of a tourist complex named Matur , located in the municipality of Machico . They were detained by the police forces, due to the security cameras at the site, and once the news spread regarding their detention there was popular outrage against their actions. However, as minors, they were released but the event, which captured significant media attention, became known as the "Popular Trial of Machico". A manifestation against FLAMA and its actions

13843-532: Was invaded by Indonesia , and remained occupied until 1999 . There were an estimated 102,800 conflict-related deaths from 1974 to 1999 (about 18,600 killings and 84,200 deaths from hunger and illness), most of which were incurred during the Indonesian occupation. After a long period of one-party rule, Guinea-Bissau experienced a brief civil war and a difficult transition to civilian rule in 1998. Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe avoided civil war during

13970-473: Was invaded by Indonesia , and remained occupied until 1999 . There were an estimated 102,800 conflict-related deaths from 1974 to 1999 (about 18,600 killings and 84,200 deaths from hunger and illness), most of which were incurred during the Indonesian occupation. After a long period of one-party rule, Guinea-Bissau experienced a brief civil war and a difficult transition to civilian rule in 1998. Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe avoided civil war during

14097-486: Was behind another attack which took place on 14 January 1976. This was followed by, on 19 February, the visit of José Baptista Pinheiro de Azevedo , Prime-Minister at the time, to start the talks with the local governmental authorities regarding the region's autonomy. On 20 February, following an explosion on a road in which the car of the Prime-Minister was passing, the documents granting a provisional government to

14224-413: Was called on 18 September, and it turned into a protest against independence with banners reading "Death to FLAMA". The following morning, two firecrackers were fired, the attacks were perpetrated by FLAMA, the first aimed at a car, the second bomb aimed at the house of a known syndicalist on the island. Several attacks took place in the following days, and after an occupation of another news broadcaster by

14351-454: Was characterised by robust annual growth in GDP (6.9 percent), industrial production (nine percent), consumption (6.5 percent), and gross fixed capital formation (7.8 percent). The revolutionary period experienced a slowly-growing economy, whose only impetus was its 1986 entrance into the European Economic Community . Although Portugal never regained its pre-revolution growth, at the time of

14478-406: Was characterised by robust annual growth in GDP (6.9 percent), industrial production (nine percent), consumption (6.5 percent), and gross fixed capital formation (7.8 percent). The revolutionary period experienced a slowly-growing economy, whose only impetus was its 1986 entrance into the European Economic Community . Although Portugal never regained its pre-revolution growth, at the time of

14605-732: Was dissolved in October 2015. In 2014, the Scottish Referendum for independence , revived the conversation about the Archipelago's independence. In Funchal, FLAMA's president, Gabriel Drumond, reaffirmed that the Madeira people have the right to be free from Portugal and that “no one could, democratically, stop them from holding a referendum”. Alberto João Jardim questioned “What has the Portuguese State given to Madeira so far, or what has it promised to Madeira?”. Carnation Revolution The Carnation Revolution ( Portuguese : Revolução dos Cravos ), also known as

14732-464: Was ensuring the survival of PSD and of Madeira's Newspaper.” This accusation is supported by a photo in which Albert João Jardim is wearing a shirt that states "Madeira, my Homeland". On 1 July 2011, the Region's Autonomy Day, fifty FLAMA flags were raised in several locations across the islands, and a statement was released claiming once again the Archipelago's independence. The statement released to

14859-471: Was first raised on 20 July 1975, in FLAMA's first high-profile act. On 20 July 1975, FLAMA's first high-profile action took place when several walls in Funchal , Madeira's main city, were sprayed with phrases and expressions such as "Independence for Madeira" and "Out With The Portuguese", which FLAMA's signature at the bottom. One of the common expressions in the graffiti that became FLAMA's signature action,

14986-788: Was identified as Eduardo Mendonça. At the end of 1977, the Portuguese Judiciary Police (from the Portuguese: Polícia Judiciária ) counted 14 bombings in Madeira, perpetrated by FLAMA. On 15 February 1978, 3 suspects were detained and accused of terrorism and 219 objects used in bombing devices were found. As a reaction to the detentions, FLAMA left two firecrackers in the Palace of Justice (Portuguese: Palácio da Justiça ) in Funchal. On 5 April, two police officers and two tourists were injured in

15113-541: Was placed on 26 August in the offices of the Portuguese National Airline, TAP . While other minor incidents followed that one, arson became the new FLAMA strategy. The targets were the cars of university professors, syndicalists, members of parliament and journalists. However, this new phase of FLAMA "escaped the control" of the directory members, with one member in particular setting fires which were no longer under FLAMA's ideological motivations. He

15240-602: Was refused, as the Chinese government did not want to risk jeopardising negotiations with the UK over returning Hong Kong. The territory remained a Portuguese colony until 1999, when it was transferred to China with a joint declaration , and enacted a " one country, two systems " policy similar to that of Hong Kong . The Portuguese economy changed significantly between 1961 and 1973. Total output (GDP at factory cost) had grown by 120 percent in real terms. The pre-revolutionary period

15367-499: Was refused, as the Chinese government did not want to risk jeopardising negotiations with the UK over returning Hong Kong. The territory remained a Portuguese colony until 1999, when it was transferred to China with a joint declaration , and enacted a " one country, two systems " policy similar to that of Hong Kong . The Portuguese economy changed significantly between 1961 and 1973. Total output (GDP at factory cost) had grown by 120 percent in real terms. The pre-revolutionary period

15494-426: Was taken to start the process of independence. The expression "Friday, it's João's birthday" (Portuguese: "Sexta-feira, o João faz anos" ) was supposed to be a code for violent acts that were going to be taken. As a response, Madeira's military forces launched operation "Happy Birthday" (Portuguese: parabéns ), in which 200 military officers and police officers were given orders to find the group. At 2:45am of 9 August,

15621-456: Was the expression " Cubans " to describe the mainland Portuguese. This came from the fact that Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho , a well-known Portuguese military officer and main strategist of the 1974 Carnation Revolution , was an admirer of Fidel Castro 's communist policies in Cuba. In the beginning of August 1975, FLAMA released several statements in which it promised violent acts in case no action

15748-400: Was the poorest country until the 1980s. Portuguese economic growth between 1960 and 1973 (under the Estado Novo regime) created an opportunity for integration with the developed economies of Western Europe despite the colonial war. Through emigration, trade, tourism and foreign investment, individuals and companies changed their patterns of production and consumption. The increasing complexity of

15875-400: Was the poorest country until the 1980s. Portuguese economic growth between 1960 and 1973 (under the Estado Novo regime) created an opportunity for integration with the developed economies of Western Europe despite the colonial war. Through emigration, trade, tourism and foreign investment, individuals and companies changed their patterns of production and consumption. The increasing complexity of

16002-438: Was the target of the bomb attack. This attack led to the detention of a number of suspects by the local police forces, and when the news of the detentions was released on 2 September, FLAMA retaliated and a firecracker was thrown at São Lourenço Palace. One of FLAMA's most controversial moments however, came on the night of 28 August, when 6 young men aged 15 to 17 sprayed slogans in support of FLAMA and Madeira's independence on

16129-497: Was the then Presidential candidate Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho . However, the bomb was defused when it was known that a bus of 20 children would be travelling with the commission travelling with the Presidential candidate at the time. Following several strikes at the beginning of 1977 due to the delays in the transfer of administrative powers to the regional governments and the visit of then President Ramalho Eanes , another bomb

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