António de Spínola
António de Spínola | |
|---|---|
Spínola during his resignation, 1974 | |
| President of Portugal | |
| In office 15 May 1974 – 30 September 1974 | |
| Prime Minister | Adelino da Palma Carlos Vasco Gonçalves |
| Preceded by | Américo Tomás |
| Succeeded by | Francisco da Costa Gomes |
| President of the National Salvation Junta | |
| In office 25 April 1974 – 30 September 1974 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Francisco da Costa Gomes |
| Governor of Portuguese Guinea | |
| In office 20 May 1968 – 6 August 1973 | |
| President | Américo Tomás |
| Preceded by | Arnaldo Schulz |
| Succeeded by | Bettencourt Rodrigues |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 April 1910 |
| Died | 13 August 1996 (aged 86) |
| Party | MDLP |
| Spouse | Maria Helena Barros |
| Alma mater | Military Academy |
| Occupation |
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| Profession | Military officer |
| Portfolio | Overseas Colonial Territories |
| Awards | |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Portugal |
| Branch/service | Portuguese Army |
| Years of service | 1920–1974, 1981 |
| Rank |
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| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | |
António Sebastião Ribeiro de Spínola (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐ̃ ˈtɔniu ðɨ ˈspinulɐ]; 11 April 1910 – 13 August 1996) was a Portuguese military officer, author and conservative politician. During the Estado Novo regime he became one of Portugal's most senior military commanders, leading military operations against independence movements. After the Carnation Revolution, partially organised by under-ranked military captains, he was invited to be the president of Portugal. His role in Portugal's transition to democracy remains highly controversial, particularly regarding his role in leading the 11 March 1975 attempted coup as well as the anticommunist terrorist organisation Movimento Democrático de Libertação de Portugal (Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Portugal). He was noted for wearing a monocle on his right eye.