António de Spínola

Biography

António Sebastião Ribeiro de Spínola was a Portuguese military officer, author, and conservative politician who played a pivotal role in Portugal's transition to democracy following the Carnation Revolution. As one of Portugal's most senior military commanders, he led military operations against independence movements before becoming president of Portugal after the revolution. His tenure remains marked by controversy, particularly surrounding his involvement in an attempted coup and a counter-terrorism organization.