A brotherly letter
In a statement issued on April 24, the President of the French Republic celebrated the Carnation Revolution with the Portuguese. The latter speaks of the event of April 25, 1974 as the moment that marked “the end of the last dictatorship in Europe and the final stage of decolonization.” The latter adds, “France is honored to receive on its lands the Portuguese people who were expelled into exile due to repression in the 1950s.”
The latter recalls the close relations between the two countries, and also mentions the importance of this anniversary for democracies in Europe. The President did not forget to praise the April Captains, who highlighted their young age (about thirty years for most of them) at the time of the events, and the courage they showed in this civil disobedience in order to save their country. . It is this sense of responsibility that, according to the President, should be taken as an example within European countries.
Words used in the Portuguese press
This presidential speech was widely covered by major Portuguese media such as RTP, Expresso, Público and Observador. The latter reiterated the presidential speech, highlighting in particular the fact that the President emphasizes the relationship between Portugal and the European conscience. The so-called “secular” ties shared by these two countries were also highlighted, as Europe tends to build itself around the same values that France and Portugal share: namely freedom, democracy and justice.
Embassy of France in Portugal (written copy)
President Joe Biden also congratulated the Portuguese on this very special anniversary for Portugal by sending a message in which he declared, “I congratulate the President and the people of Portugal on the 50th anniversary of the return of democracy and celebrate the courageous spirit.” Fueled by the Carnation Revolution and the victory over tyranny, this event highlights the enduring commitment to freedom and democracy that our countries share.
