National Salvation Junta


The National Salvation Junta was a group of military officers designated to maintain the government of Portugal in April 1974 after the Carnation Revolution had overthrown the Estado Novo dictatorial regime. This junta assumed power following a communiqué of its president, António de Spínola, at 1:30 a.m. on 26 April 1974. The National Salvation Junta was the de jure'' governing body of Portugal following the Carnation Revolution.

Purpose

The Junta was a pre-planned part of the national reform program envisioned by the Movimento das Forças Armadas, which aimed to exercise political power after the revolution and prior to the formation of a civilian government in order to prevent the collapse of the Presidency of the Republic and of the government. It entailed the dissolution of the National Assembly and of the Council of State. The Constitutional Law 1/74 of 25 April 1974 was promulgated in order to set this process in motion. The Junta assumed upon itself the power to choose the President and Vice-President.
On an interim basis, the Junta also exercised the functions of the Presidency of the Republic and of President of the Council.

Members

The Junta was composed of:
On 30 September 1974 the staff was reorganized:
Constitutional Law 5/75 of 14 March 1975 abolished the National Salvation Junta and established the Revolutionary Council of Portugal, which included former members of the Junta.