History of António de Oliveira Salazar

António de Oliveira Salazar was a pivotal figure in 20th-century Portuguese history, serving as the Prime Minister of Portugal for 36 years, from 1932 to 1968. His tenure created a long-lasting impact on the country, shaping it through his authoritarian regime and his economic policies. Salazar's governance is closely intertwined with the Estado Novo, a corporatist authoritarian regime he established, which means “New State.” His legacy is one of significant controversy, marked by economic stability on one hand and political repression on the other.

Salazar was born on April 28, 1889, in Vimieiro, a small village in central Portugal. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and pursued a religious education initially. He attended a seminary but eventually decided not to pursue priesthood. Instead, he shifted his focus to academia and subsequently attended the University of Coimbra, where he studied law and economics. This academic grounding in economics would later underpin many of his policy decisions as a political leader.

His involvement in politics began in the unstable environment of the First Portuguese Republic, which was characterized by political chaos and frequent governmental changes. Salazar's entry into politics was relatively slow, and he was initially an academic and taught at the University of Coimbra. His conservative views were formed during these early years, influenced heavily by his Catholic faith and his belief in strong centralized governance.

Salazar's rise to political prominence began in the early 1920s when he joined the Catholic Centre Party. His opportunity to influence national politics came after the military coup of 1926, which ended the First Portuguese Republic and began the period of military dictatorship. In 1928, the military government appointed him as the Minister of Finance. Salazar accepted the position on the condition that he would have full control over government expenditure—a testament to his focus on economic stability.

As Finance Minister, Salazar managed to balance the budget and stabilize the national currency, earning a reputation for financial prudence. His success in this role laid the foundation for his rise to power. In 1932, Salazar was appointed Prime Minister of Portugal, a position he would hold until 1968. Soon after, he established the Estado Novo, which drew inspiration from fascist regimes in Europe but was uniquely adapted to Portuguese conditions. It was a corporatist state, emphasizing conservative and Catholic values, and operated under a one-party system with no tolerance for political dissent.

Under Salazar's rule, censorship was institutionalized, political opposition was suppressed, and the secret police (PIDE) were empowered to stifle dissent. His regime maintained a tight grip over the media and used propaganda extensively to maintain a facade of stability and order. Despite this repressive approach, some aspects of Salazar's policies gained popular support, particularly among the conservative and rural sectors of Portugal. Salazar disliked mass politics and parties, preferring a more technocratic governance style that promoted stability and order.

Economically, Salazar pursued policies that favored agrarianism and autarky, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency and minimal foreign influence. He prioritized fiscal conservatism, reducing foreign debt significantly, and maintained a neutral stance during World War II, which benefited the country's trade relations. Salazar's administration also focused on colonial retention, stubbornly clinging to Portugal’s possessions in Africa even as decolonization movements swept through the continent.

The later years of Salazar's rule saw growing internal and external challenges. The global decolonization movement put pressure on Portugal to relinquish its colonies, leading to protracted and costly colonial wars in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s. These wars drained resources and intensified international criticism against Portugal’s colonial policies. Meanwhile, Portugal's economy began to stagnate, unable to keep pace with the rapid modernization and economic growth seen in other Western European countries.

Salazar's personal life was characterized by simplicity and austerity, reflecting his political philosophy. He never married and led a relatively Spartan lifestyle, which distinguished him from many other authoritarian leaders of his time. His health began to deteriorate in the late 1960s, and in 1968, after suffering a stroke, he was replaced by Marcelo Caetano. Interestingly, Salazar was not informed of his removal from office, and he reportedly believed he remained the head of the government until his death on July 27, 1970.

Salazar's legacy remains a subject of significant debate. Supporters argue that he brought economic stability and restored national pride, while critics emphasize the repressive nature of his regime and its failure to modernize Portuguese society and economy. The Estado Novo persisted until the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which resulted in a shift towards democratic governance and decolonization.

In modern Portugal, Salazar's rule is often viewed with a critical lens, particularly in light of its authoritarianism and colonial policies. However, his complex legacy continues to influence Portuguese political discourse and historical scholarship, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between governance, economic policy, and civil liberties.