Viva 0 25 de Abril

Today is 30 years since the democratic revolution in Portugal. On the dawn of the 25th of Abril, 1974, a group of military started to occupy key sites in Lisbon. Despite not being sure what was going on at first, and annoucements that should stay at home, civilians flooded the streets. Finding that the military were overthrowing a 48 year old fascist regime - the longest in history - they brought the soldiers flowers (red carnations become iconic) and supported them as they released political prisoners and occupied the political police building and other government buildings. The colonial war was ended, and a number of African countries (including Angola and Moçambique) and East Timor became independent. It was a remarkable revolution in that the transition was quite nonviolent, even though it was driven by the military. It need be noted that this was a military composed of a broad sample of society, a result of the draft during many years of colonial war. Turbulent months followed, were the multiple forces fought for power or simply to keep the democratic nature of the new regime. There were counter-revolutionary attempts that the military in alliance with civilians held back. History was molting lava.

30 years after democracy is still in place, although many of the conquests of the revolution, the nacionalizations and agrarian reform, have l been reversed. The accelerated decolonization is criticized. More gravely, the freshness of democracy has evaporated, the importance of popular participation in the democratic process muddled, cynicism about politicians in place. Thirty years is a generation. I was two when it all happened, but it left deep emotional marks on me. I cannot hear descriptions of the oceans of people who came out on the streets on the 1st of May 1974, without having shivers run through me.

Many feel this is history long past and feel no attachment to it. Yet the fascist past and the transition process to democracy still marks our present. And we have yet to face this history head on. Much was written and sung during the transition to democracy, in a burst of liberty. But then, as if to allow the nation to look move on, or because of a shift in political beliefs, we looked forward, in search of stability. Post-war Germany too only reflected upon its nazi past, a generation after the war. The time has come for Portugal too to look back. We had a vicious political police (PIDE/DGS) that simply dissolved into civilian society. What happened to these people? There were never any trials, compensations, or attempt of reconciliation with victims of torture and unjust imprisonment. Many draftees were against the colonial war, yet complied with their 'call to duty'. What of their inner struggles, fighting and killing under the uniform of a fascist regime? What of the foreign influence in the domestic political struggles, namely the role of Frank Carlucci and the CIA in finanacing political parties of their preference.

I suppose reflecting upon the decolonization process is part of this process. It is often commented it should have been slower, we should have helped the African countries more. But those cold hind-sight criticisms fail to recognize two important issues: portugal was still resolving its democratic process as was in a poor position to hold anyone's hand in their transition, and most importantly it was not simply our choice - the former colonies wanted independence. Regardless of whether it was the best long-term option, their new sovereignty gave them the right to make their own mistakes. Decades of civil war followed in Angola and Moçambique, que help again from foreign influence. Millions died and the countries never developed the potential that their natural resources might afford - a destiny not uncommon in Africa, unfortunetly. But I hardly blame Portugal decolonization process for this turnout. Case in point, the history of East Timor was not determined by Portugal having 'abandoned' the region. But rather to the action of Suharto's Indonesia with US support. If Portugal has any responsibility it is in not exerting diplomatic pressure earlier and with greater vigor and consistency, not with having given sovereignty to the Maubere people. This is what they wanted. And kept wanting during the Indonesian occupation. Even during this period, it was questioned if such a small region should be given independence, whether it would be a viable economy. And after decades of struggle, they have gained it once again. There are striking parallels in the riveting periods of 25 de Abril de 1974, and the independence of East Timor, or the election in South Africa. A people after years of repression gains a voice. Let it be heard.