Captains of April - The conspiracy and the coup

“[The] captains carried a truly revolutionary rupture program, centered on three core premises: Democratize, Decolonize, and Develop. The immediate measures proposed included the re-establishment of fundamental freedoms, the dismantling of the deposed regime's bodies and institutions, the amnesty of political prisoners, and, above all, the convening, within twelve months, of a National Constituent Assembly, elected by universal, direct, and secret suffrage. Similarly, after more than a decade of fighting on the African fronts, the captains proposed to end the war and initiate a process that would allow for the recognition of the peoples' right to self-determination and independence. Finally, the Program enshrined the launch of a new economic and social policy that would allow for greater social justice and the country's progress. Although its implementation was neither easy nor linear, the principles of the MFA Program were the banner wielded by those who mobilized to end the dictatorship on April 25, 1974.”

[From the Preface by MARIA INÁCIA REZOLA, Commissioner for the Commemorations of the 50th anniversary of April 25]