lÉtatnouveau

lÉtatnouveau, meaning "The New State" in French, was the authoritarian corporatist political regime established in Portugal in 1933. It succeeded the military dictatorship that had ruled Portugal since 1926. The Estado Novo was characterized by its emphasis on national unity, Catholic social doctrine, and a strong, centralized state. Political parties were suppressed, and freedom of speech and the press were severely restricted. The regime was led by António de Oliveira Salazar, who served as Prime Minister for most of its duration, and later by Marcello Caetano.

The ideology of the Estado Novo drew inspiration from corporatism, seeking to organize society into professional groups or corporations that would represent the interests of different sectors. This was intended to replace class struggle with national solidarity. The regime also promoted traditional values and a strong sense of national identity, often linked to Portugal's colonial past. While it maintained a facade of democracy with elections, these were heavily controlled, and genuine political opposition was not tolerated. The PIDE, the political police, played a significant role in suppressing dissent and maintaining the regime's control. The Estado Novo persisted for over four decades, only ending with the Carnation Revolution in 1974.