Democratisation, Political Institutionalisation and Political Culture: Some Conclusions

Abstract

The growing incidence of racial attacks by skinheads on the African minority in the satellite town of Almada across the Tejo bridge and in Lisbon proper worsened considerably in June and July 1995. The murder of Alcindo Monteiro in the Bairro Alto, the popular centre of nightlife in Lisbon, on 11 June 1995 caused a wave of indignation among the political elite and the population. Several demonstrations were held in Lisbon and Oporto against racism and xenophobia. Alcindo Monteiro, who originated from Cape Verde, was only one of the eighteen victims of the assault launched by fifty skinheads in the Bairro Alto; another victim died some days later.