Revolutionary Council (Portugal)

The Revolutionary Council (''Conselho da Revolução'') was the supreme governing body in Portugal following the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, which overthrew the Estado Novo dictatorship. It held legislative and executive power, effectively ruling the country until the establishment of the Portuguese Third Republic.

The Council was composed primarily of military officers, reflecting the military's central role in the revolution. Its membership was not static; individuals joined and left throughout its existence, reflecting shifting political alliances and power struggles within the armed forces. While initially aiming for a broadly leftist and progressive agenda, internal divisions and differing interpretations of the revolution's goals led to considerable instability and frequent changes in leadership.

The Council's authority was never clearly defined, contributing to internal tensions. While it claimed supreme authority, its decisions were often influenced by various factions within the military, political parties emerging from the revolution, and powerful labor unions. This lack of clear structure facilitated the rise and fall of various political factions and complicated efforts to establish a stable democratic system.

The Council oversaw a period of significant political and social change in Portugal, including the decolonization process in its African territories (Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau), the nationalization of several key industries, and the implementation of significant land reforms. However, its internal struggles and lack of clear decision-making processes hindered the smooth transition to democracy. The Council's gradual relinquishing of power eventually paved the way for the drafting and adoption of a new constitution in 1976, leading to the formal establishment of the Third Republic and the end of the Council's direct rule. The influence of the military, however, continued to be felt in Portuguese politics for some time afterwards.