Was the Carnation Revolution a 'bloodless coup'?

From my next Carl's Column for Expats Portugal:

"For us as expats, it’s worth reflecting that today’s Portugal - the tolerant, welcoming, democratic country that attracted so many of us - was shaped directly by 25 April 1974. Every year on this special day you’ll see parades, concerts, and people waving carnations or the Portuguese flag. It’s officially known as ‘Freedom Day’ (Dia da Liberdade), a public holiday full of pride, remembrance, and perhaps at this time in turbulent human history - an inspiring reminder of the power of people who can take no more."

Often described in terms of being an "almost entirely bloodless coup", there were actually casualties, which tend to be overshadowed in the understandably positive reporting and remembering of this pivotal political moment for Portugal.

How many civilians died on 25th April, 1974 on the streets of Lisbon?

None, it was bloodless

Four young men died

Four young men died, two PIDE officers killed, plus 45 reported injuries

7 votes

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