50 years of democracy have changed Portugal profoundly. They have brought greater freedom, equality, choice and participation. Guided by these four principles we have travelled through the last five decades.
Combining the analysis of seven experts with the opinions and testimonies of twelve citizens, this documentary by the Foundation, in partnership with RTP, travels back in time to examine the challenges ahead.
It looks at the great achievements – such as the guarantee of equal rights for all, access to education, the emancipation of women and freedom of the press – but also at what still needs to be done to strengthen democracy in the face of the illiberal threats.
The Portuguese democratic system is consolidated and robust, yet the Portuguese people expect more from the regime. «Today I still vote, but I don't vote with the same will and dedication», says 41-year-old nurse Ana Guerreiro, for whom going to the polls was initially synonymous with «being able to make a difference».
«There is a lack of correspondence between political decision-makers and young people when it comes to access to justice, housing, health and work», explains 28-year-old Célia Lopes.
«There is no such thing as a perfect democracy“, explains researcher Marco Lisi, arguing that "there is always a tension between what democracy is in practice and how it should ideally work».
The Portugal of 1974 is not the same as that of 2024, but these 50 years reflect undeniable progress.
«Democracy takes work. It's always hard work, in the sense that it's difficult to maintain», admits Fernando Pimenta, a 29-year-old architect, for whom abstaining is not an option. «If I don't make my intention clear, all other intentions will prevail».
It is therefore crucial to continue building democracy, so that it reaches everyone: those who have distanced themselves, those who are disillusioned with politics and parties, those who still see themselves in Parliament and those who are now opting for new forms of participation.
Documentaries from the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos co-produced by RTP, Portuguese National Television. .
The Portuguese and the world believed it. The regime that emerged from the coup d'état of 25 April 1974 would be the auspicious engine of Portugal's...
