Continuing our programme of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of 25 April 1974, in 2026 we wish to mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1976 Democratic Constitution, which enshrines decentralisation, democratisation and the extension of the powers and responsibilities of local government, as well as the 50th anniversary of the first democratic local elections.

In the context of this double anniversary, the Institute of Contemporary History, as part of its History in the Public Sphere Programme and mobilising experts in recent history, launched a challenge to local governments across the country, proposing a diverse set of activities to be developed in partnership, uncovering historical processes that are crucial to understanding the construction of democratic Portugal.

Before the Carnation Revolution, local power was restricted by the corporate organisation of the Estado Novo. The 1933 Constitution and the 1936/40 Administrative Code subjected local authorities to the strict supervision of the central administration, which was responsible both for their financing and for appointing mayors and parish council members. Instead of being the organs of power closest to the people, municipalities found themselves stripped of their powers, curtailing citizen initiative and preventing the effective resolution of local problems. One of the priorities defined in the MFA Programme was the dismissal of civil governors, but it was popular mobilisation that ensured the democratisation of local power, removing local authorities connected with the old regime and setting up administrative committees. In this context, an unprecedented process of social participation took place. The then-designated grassroots organisations mobilised the population to resolve their most immediate problems, from basic sanitation to the creation of public spaces and social facilities. The newly elected executives, in close partnership with the associations, continued this work, profoundly transforming the territories and quality of life in their municipalities, which were unrecognisable after 50 years of democratic local power.

We therefore invite all interested local governments to contact us at historiapublica.ihc@fcsh.unl.pt in order to receive a methodological proposal tailored to their requirements. All information about this initiative can be found at this link (in Portuguese).