The carnations of democracy by Mário Soares

Popular items are known for their durability, remaining in perfect condition for days.

These flowers are connected to longings for love, admiration, and appreciation. They are a symbol of the Portuguese Revolution, or popularly known as the Carnation Revolution. This movement ended the longest-running European dictatorship, paving the way for democracy and a new era for the Portuguese people.

Three days after the scents of the Revolution wafted, one of its most illustrious sons, Mario Soares, returned to Portugal after years of exile.

An active militant since his puberty, Mario Soares served his country as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister, and President. He led the decolonization process in Africa, among other important achievements.

As a member of the Portuguese Socialist Party, I would like to highlight the contributions of this great figure of the 20th century to Brazil and its struggles, especially with the Brazilian Labor movement.

United with those who had suffered persecution like himself, he opened the doors of Portugal to those persecuted by the dictatorial and military regime in Brazil. One of those who had suffered double expulsion, as he had also suffered persecution under Uruguayan authoritarianism, Leonel Brizola, found a friend and safe haven with Mario Soares.

Brizola, with the support of Mario Soares, united the resistance against the Brazilian regime, and his dream of returning to his homeland and liberating his people from the authoritarian yoke led him to the Socialist International and the organization of the first meeting of Brazilian exiles abroad, held in June 1979, known as the Lisbon Meeting, which originated one of the most important documents in Brazilian history against the regime of the generals.

This meeting was the embryo of the future PTB, which Golbery took from Brizola in a clandestine action, but which culminated in the founding of the PDT, with Brizola as its president and the authentic labor supporters.

It is worth noting that without the help of the Portuguese Socialist Party, and especially of our friend Mário Soares, this meeting in Lisbon would have been impossible.

Mario Soares, a pilgrim of freedom, socialism, and solidarity. He became an indispensable reference in the critical analysis of exclusionary globalization, which generates social injustices.

A friend of the oppressed, he dedicated his life to the Portuguese people and to those who dared to dream of a new world.

Brazilian Laborism is grateful to this Portuguese giant, for his lessons in solidarity, brotherhood, and friendship.

It is men like these who ennoble human existence and the dream of justice and equality.

Thank you, Mario Soares!

The fragrant carnations of Portugal exude the spirit of the world's libertarians.