Sidónio

Sidónio Pais (1872-1918) was a Portuguese politician, diplomat, and military officer who served as the fourth President of Portugal (officially, President of the Ministry) in 1918. He came to power through a military coup in December 1917, overthrowing the democratically elected government of Afonso Costa during World War I.

Pais implemented a highly authoritarian regime known as the "New Republic" (República Nova). He dissolved the parliament, suspended the constitution, and ruled by decree. His policies, though initially popular due to promises of ending Portugal's involvement in the war and addressing economic issues, quickly became unpopular. He centralized power, suppressed dissent, and faced increasing opposition from various factions, including monarchists, republicans, and labor groups.

His government was marked by economic instability, social unrest, and growing frustration with the continuation of the war effort, even though Portugal's participation was significantly scaled back.

Sidónio Pais was assassinated in Lisbon on December 14, 1918, by a republican activist. His death led to a period of political instability and ultimately the restoration of the 1911 constitution. His brief but impactful rule remains a controversial period in Portuguese history, often viewed as a precursor to later authoritarian regimes.