26/05/2025 • A Look Back at the Event LIBERTY AND DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE

Screening

The evening's theme was introduced by the screening of the documentary Des œillets pour la révolution (Carnations for Revolution, 43 minutes, ARTE). The audience was treated to historic images that left their mark on Europe in 1974, as well as testimonies from then and now. With its mix of emotions and powerful messages, the film highlighted the revolt against a dictatorial regime, the desire for peace on the part of the military and the people, and the choice of non-violence that would pave the way for democracy, decolonisation and the European integration of Portugal.

On Monday 26 May 2025, as part of the RENNES FÊTE L'EUROPE festival, held every year in May by the city of Rennes, INTER+VALUE organised an event on the theme of FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE. In memory of the Carnation Revolution which, on 25 April 1974, put an end to 48 years of dictatorship and the colonial wars waged by the regime in Portugal.

Introduction of the event by Manuel de Lima

Debate

After the documentary, there was time for discussion. A round table brought together specialists who spoke about several European countries (Portugal, Spain, Romania, etc.) that went from dictatorship to democracy in the last quarter of the 20th century. They recounted their experiences and memories of the time, compared the differences and similarities between the events in each country and debated with the audience. All of this helped to retrace history and give us a better understanding of today's Europe and the challenges it faces.

Round table with (from left to right):
Françoise Dubosquet, Emmanuelle Bertinier-Brié, Manuel de Lima, Paul Chéneau, Catherine Sinquin

Aperitivo

An aperitivo was offered between the debate and the evening's concert to continue the discussions in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The photo albums and museum catalogue published by INTER+VALUE were available on site for consultation and sale.

Concert

To round off the evening in a festive mood, the Messejana Trio from the Bretilian company Dicilà treated the audience to a concert of fado and other Portuguese music. Singer Céline Costa took the audience on a journey with her songs, accompanied by an adufe (traditional tambourine) or the guitar and clarinet played by her musicians.