“A society where there are great inequalities is more susceptible to various types of internal problems.”

Professor Luís Andrade and the April 25th Revolution
Correio dos Açores – How old were you when the revolution of April 25, 1974, took place?
Professor Luís Andrade – I was 18 when April 25, 1974 happened.

Where were you, and how did you hear about the revolution?
I was in Ponta Delgada when I heard about the revolution on the radio. At the time, one of the meeting places was Café Liz, and several of my colleagues and I were able to share what little we knew and the possible consequences for our archipelago and the country there.

How did you follow the most decisive moments of April 25, and what followed?
At first, everything was very confusing as there were contradictory reports, many of which were unfounded. However, what seemed most important to us was the change of regime that was taking place in Portugal. After several decades of a clearly authoritarian regime, there was the possibility of living in a democracy with all the vicissitudes that characterized it, especially in the months and years that followed. My first impressions were characterized by great unpredictability and concern about the events that were taking place in the country, with implications both at home and abroad. I remember, back in the US, in July 1975, hearing Henry Kissinger say, and I’m quoting him, “Portugal is lost to communism.”
On the other hand, the decolonization that took place after April 25 was, in my opinion, inevitable on the one hand and unpredictable on the other. I remember this subject being brought up several times in International Relations classes at my university with great curiosity, as many Americans didn’t understand how a small, poor country could maintain a colonial war on three fronts.

What were the benefits of the revolution for Portugal and the Azores?
The benefits for the country and the Azores were obvious. First and foremost, the freedom achieved through the implementation of democracy was something the Portuguese had longed for. On the other hand, the possibility of the citizens of this country being able to participate in free elections was and is extremely important. Regardless of the many problems that have existed and continue to exist, democracy remains the best of the worst forms of government.
As far as the Azores are concerned, we cannot fail to mention the possibility, arising from the 1976 Constitution, of the existence of Autonomy that made it possible to create a Legislative Assembly and a Government. On the other hand, creating the University of the Azores was a fundamental milestone in developing our archipelago. It is also important to note that this Constitution has allowed the Azores to have a say in the international agreements in which they are involved.
Our country’s democratization also allowed it to join the then-European Community in 1986. I think Portugal had no choice but to participate in European affairs. “Proudly alone” could not continue.

A Sunday trip in the late 1960s – Azores.

What renewal is needed to guarantee the primacy of democracy in Portugal and the Azores?
This is a fundamental question, especially today. Solving it is not easy, nor is it up to the government alone. It must be a whole-of-society effort to avoid, as far as possible, the populism that has been on the rise not only in Europe. For example, take the paradigmatic case of Hungary, a member of the European Union and NATO. On the other hand, the significant increase in parties and movements associated with the extreme right is worrying, to say the least.
Consequently, it is essential that, for example, schools make an effort to explain to students the relevance of democratic principles such as Freedom, Equality, and Fraternity.

What question would you like me to ask you about April 25, 1974, and what is your answer?
Is our society fairer? Justice is essential in this context, as a society with great divides and inequalities is more susceptible to internal problems. The 25th of April 1974 was a fundamental milestone in terms of, on the one hand, the democratization of society and, on the other, the increase in the possibilities open to the population in general.

João Paz-journalist for the Corrieo dos Açores newspaper–Natlaino Viveiros, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.