His economic reign was bunk even compared to neighboring Spain
On the eve of the Carnation Revolution, Portugal had one of the lowest literacy rates in Europe, one of the lowest GDP per Capitas in Europe, one of the lowest electrification rates in Europe, etc [0]
In the early 1970s, it was unimaginable for Portugal to become a developed country, and if it wasn't for its ascension into the EC, it would have stagnated.
On the eve of the Carnation Revolution, Portugal had one of the lowest literacy rates in Europe, one of the lowest GDP per Capitas in Europe, one of the lowest electrification rates in Europe, etc [0]
In the early 1970s, it was unimaginable for Portugal to become a developed country, and if it wasn't for its ascension into the EC, it would have stagnated.
[0] - https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85T00875R0017000...