Why is the Portuguese Socialist Party Popular Unlike Most Other European Countries?

Why is the Socialist Party so popular in Portugal in the latest decades, unlike most other European countries? This question often arises from a mixture of historical events and current political trends. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the socialist party's enduring popularity in Portugal, with a focus on the role of the Carnation Revolution and the unique nature of the Portuguese socialist party.

The Role of History and Memory

One of the reasons often cited is that most Portuguese do not learn from their past, or as they like to say, 'have a short memory, like a goldfish.' However, this is an overly simplistic view. The Portuguese Socialist Party, often referred to as PS, has its roots in the aftermath of the Carnation Revolution, a transformative event that reshaped Portugal's political landscape.

The Carnation Revolution

The Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974 was a pivotal moment in Portuguese history. It marked the end of the Estado Novo regime, a long-standing dictatorship, and the beginning of democracy. The revolution was a result of a military coup by the Movimento das For?as Armadas (MFA), a movement of military officers who opposed the authoritarian regime. The name 'Carnation Revolution' comes from the fact that the people celebrating the end of the Estado Novo regime and the victory of the revolution placed carnations in the barrels of the soldiers' guns as a sign of peace and joy.
The Carnation Revolution led to fundamental changes in Portuguese society, politics, and economy, marking the start of an ongoing Processo Revolucionário Em Curso (Ongoing Revolutionary Process). This period saw the withdrawal of Portuguese troops from its African colonies, the end of the Portuguese Colonial War, and the establishment of a democratic government. While the revolution was initially a military operation, it quickly evolved into a popular movement, with civilians playing a significant role in the transition to democracy.

The Nature of the Portuguese Socialist Party

The Portuguese Socialist Party is not a traditional socialist party in the sense that it espouses classic socialist policies. It is more accurately described as a social-democratic party, similar to those found in countries like Scandinavia or Germany. Social democracy emphasizes welfare state policies and market-based economics, with a focus on improving social outcomes and reducing inequality. Unlike parties in other European countries, which may lean more towards traditional socialism, the Portuguese Socialist Party's emphasis on social democracy aligns with the values of a liberal democratic state.

Current Political Landscape and Satisfaction

Portugal has a tradition of social democracy that predates the Carnation Revolution. The socialist government in Portugal has been known to encourage private investments and prioritize infrastructure and development projects. For example, the government has invested heavily in the development of Madeira Airport and the highway from Funchal to the airport, as well as the regularization of Madeira waters. These projects have contributed to the development of the Madeira region and have been well-received by the people, especially those like myself who have a summer house there.

The Portuguese Socialist Party is also a natural party of government, often forming part of the governing coalition or serving as the main opposition party when it is not in office. This aligns with the political landscape of most European countries, where social-democratic parties play a crucial role in the democratic process.

Conclusion

The popularity of the Portuguese Socialist Party can be attributed to its role in the Carnation Revolution and its commitment to social democracy. Unlike other European countries, where socialist parties may lean more towards traditional socialism, the Portuguese socialist party has a more pragmatic and development-focused approach. This has contributed to its long-standing popularity in Portugal, where people have a deep appreciation for the democratic values that the socialist party helped to establish.