The Retornados in the Portuguese Political Discourse: The Case of the Solemn Parliamentary Commemorations of 25 April (1977–2023)

Abstract

This article examines the way in which the repatriated population from the former Portuguese colonies in Africa is integrated into the speeches delivered during the solemn parliamentary commemorations of the Carnation Revolution. Based on a systematic analysis of the speeches of all the Portuguese political actors who took part in the commemorations of 25 April, from 1977, the date of the first session to be organised, until 2023, the aim of this article is to determine whether some periods stand out in terms of the frequency with which the former settlers are mentioned, and whether some political actors stand out from their peers in raising these issues. It also seeks to understand whether the emergence or disappearance of political actors over the years has influenced the way in which the issue of the retornados has been addressed during the parliamentary commemorations.