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Portugal has had three republics. Military leaders overthrew the government in 1925.
Among them, was Dr. Antonio Oliveira Salazar. Initially asked to solve the country's
economic problems, Salazar, a professor of finance from the University of Coimbra, soon
extended his power. Salazar forbade all political parties. His secret police crushed any
opposition. He managed to balance economy, but favored the wealthy. Poverty increased
during his dictatorship, which lasted until he fell ill in 1968. Army officials overthrew
the government again in 1974. Calling themselves the Armed Forces Movement, they restored
the rights of people and formed a provisory government to rule the country. For the first
time in forty years, political parties were permitted. The Armed Forces Movement abolished
colonialism. Portugal relinquished all of its territories abroad, except the Azores and
Madeira. In 1976, Portugal held the first free elections in its history. During these
elections a new socialist, democratic government, with a constituent assembly, a
parliament, a president and a prime minister, was formed. The control of this government
has changed hands several times.
The current president
of Portugal is Anibal Cavaco Silva
and the prime minister is José Sócrates Carvalho Pinto de Sousa.
To view other government officials and positions of responsibility
click here. To view the president's website
click here. |
