Portugals Journey to Democracy Essay example - 550 Words

Portugal’s journey to democracy started in 1910 by first attempt of the Portuguese people to establish the country as a democracy. Before 5 October 1910, Portugal was ruled by the principles of constitutional monarchy. However, a putsch lead by the Portuguese Republican Party established the First Republic by abolishing the constitutional monarchy regime. The constitution that was adopted inaugurated parliamentary regime with a president as a head of state. Unfortunately, the republican regime lasted for only 16 years which were exceptionally unstable and disordered; 45 different cabinets were in power, of which four were dismissed by military coups. A military dictatorship replaced the republican regime by pledging order and stability,†¦show more content†¦General Antonio de Spinole, the head of the Junao of National Salvation, was declared as the leader of the new regime. The Junta and the MFA publicly declared that they had no intentions to revolutionise the country, rather they wanted to create democratic political institutions and allow a constituent assembly to be elected by a popular vote. However, there was a significant number of revolutionaries that were advocates of the extreme left who were dedicated to pursue a Marxist revolution in the country. In 1974 the Communist Party of Portugal managed to replace both, the president and prime minister with a militant Communist prime minister and left-wing president. The Council of the Revolution was created on 11 March 1975, which essentially was a body of 20 Communist members of military personnel that intended to govern the country. The Council began a socialist revolution; land reform was introduced, banks were nationalized together with insurance companies and main industrial infrastructures. Nevertheless, the elections for the Constituent Assembly on 25 April 1975 took place anyway and it was the democratic parties that won. In effect, the Communists ignored the results of the election and refused to give in. In September they surrounded the Constituent Assembly and demanded its dismissal. Later on 25 November 1975 th e Communists started another putschShow MoreRelatedThe Political System Of Indonesia1416 Words   |  6 Pages The history of Indonesia is an interesting journey that has been dramatically impacted by the presence of many historical immigrations to the country. The country’s rich tradition in the arena of commerce and trade, which stems from its geographic location, has also served as a critical institution in effected how the country has grown and developed. The outside influences that have been brought to the string of islands via these avenues cannot be understated. Trading and commerce brought with it