António de Oliveira Salazar was a significant figure in Portuguese history, born on April 28, 1889. He served as the Prime Minister of Portugal for an extended period, from 1932 to 1968. Salazar's tenure was marked by his authoritarian leadership and the establishment of the Estado Novo regime, a corporatist and conservative dictatorship.
Salazar's political ideology was deeply influenced by his conservative Catholic beliefs and his economic theories, which emphasized frugality, stability, and state control. Under his leadership, Portugal experienced a period of relative stability, but also endured political repression, censorship, and economic stagnation.
Salazar's regime maintained a strict grip on power through censorship, secret police, and control over political opposition. Despite this, he managed to maintain Portugal's neutrality during World War II, albeit with sympathies towards authoritarian regimes such as Franco's Spain.
Economically, Salazar pursued policies aimed at reducing Portugal's reliance on foreign imports through protectionism and state intervention. However, his policies also led to economic underdevelopment and widespread poverty in Portugal, particularly in rural areas and the colonies.
Salazar's rule came to an end in 1968 when he suffered a stroke, leading to his replacement by Marcelo Caetano. Salazar's legacy remains complex and controversial in Portugal, with some admiring his leadership and stability, while others condemn his authoritarian methods and support for colonialism.
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