Behind the Bastards: Part One – Antonio Salazar: The Smartest Fascist Dictator

Released July 15, 2025 | Produced by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Behind the Bastards, host Robert Evans and co-host Jeff May delve into the life and regime of Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, Portugal's longest-serving dictator. Characterizing Salazar as "the smartest fascist dictator," the hosts explore his rise to power, his unique approach to governance, and the enduring impact of his authoritarian rule.

Early Life and Family Background

Antonio Salazar was born on April 28, 1889, in Vimiro, a small village in Portugal. His parents were unusual for their time—marrying late in life at ages 40 and 35—and were among the few literate individuals in their rural community. This educational advantage allowed his mother to establish a successful tavern business, elevating the family's social status. Salazar, the only son and youngest child, was pampered by his parents, receiving more lenient treatment compared to his sisters who bore the brunt of parental discipline.

“Antonio Salazar is the Tom Brady of dictators,” Jeff May quips at [06:52], highlighting Salazar's remarkable longevity in power compared to his contemporaries.

Education and Early Political Engagement

Salazar's academic prowess led him to the prestigious University of Coimbra, where he pursued law. Initially contemplating a life in the clergy, Salazar left the seminary in 1908, influenced by personal relationships and a growing disillusionment with religious life. This period coincided with significant political turmoil in Portugal, notably the Lisbon Regicide of 1908, where King Carlos and Crown Prince Luís Filipe were assassinated by radical Republicans. The instability fueled Salazar's burgeoning political consciousness.

At [32:33], Evans references the influence of French proto-fascist Charles Maurras and the Action Française movement on Salazar's ideological development, shaping his views on democracy and the role of the Catholic Church in state affairs.

The Lisbon Regicide and Its Impact

The assassination of King Carlos and his heir plunged Portugal into chaos, destabilizing the nascent Republic. Salazar, witnessing the fragility of the Republican government, began to articulate his vision for a more orderly and authoritarian state. His early writings, such as the column titled "She" [44:33], revealed personal indiscretions that nearly derailed his academic and political ambitions. However, mentorship from Catholic clergy steered him back onto a path of political engagement, emphasizing the need for stability over democratic ideals.

“What a triumph. You know, a rifle, a couple of small pieces of lead gets you to the game,” May jokes at [34:09], referencing the ease with which radical elements could seize power.

Rise in Academia and Political Influence

By the early 1920s, Salazar had established himself as a respected economist and intellectual. His consulting firm thrived, allowing him to network with Portugal's elite and expand his influence. Despite personal struggles, including panic attacks and psychosomatic illnesses [58:13], Salazar's expertise made him indispensable to a country grappling with economic instability and political fragmentation.

In [52:38], Evans quotes an article praising Salazar, noting his appearance in Catholic Illustrated as a burgeoning thinker, albeit with a humorous take on his photo shoot.

The Military Coup and Salazar's Ascension to Power

The persistent instability culminated in a military coup in May 1926, overthrowing the beleaguered Republican government. Recognizing his expertise, General Antonio de Oliveira Salazar was appointed Minister of Finance. His adept financial reforms quickly stabilized Portugal's economy, balancing the budget and restoring the escudo's value [60:45].

“He’s a great man,” May humorously asserts at [61:49], juxtaposing Salazar's economic acumen with his authoritarian rule.

Establishing Estado Novo

By 1933, Salazar had consolidated power, establishing the Estado Novo (New State), a corporatist and authoritarian regime. Unlike contemporaries like Hitler and Mussolini, Salazar's rise was less populist and more technocratic, focusing on economic stability and gradual control rather than mass rallies and charismatic dictatorship.

At [63:00], May jokes about Salazar's understated approach: “He’s just using the Hitler stuff as like flourishes.” Despite superficial similarities to fascist regimes, Salazar maintained a different style of governance, emphasizing efficiency and economic management over ideological fanaticism.

Policies and Reforms under Estado Novo

Under Salazar's rule, Estado Novo saw significant social and political reforms:

• Economic Stabilization: Salazar's policies eradicated excessive public spending and foreign debt, fostering a period of relative economic stability.

• Suppression of Dissent: The establishment of the PVDE (State Surveillance and Defense Police) led to the institutionalization of political repression. Torture methods, such as the "statue" [72:03], were employed to silence opposition without provoking widespread rebellion.

• Women's Rights: The regime curtailed women's rights, restricting their access to certain professions, requiring husbands' consent for various activities, and maintaining strict control over reproductive rights. Salazar paradoxically maintained close relationships with influential women, balancing personal indulgences with public restrictions.

“He never tries. This is not a totalitarian state in the same way that is attempted in, like, Germany,” Evans explains at [68:43], emphasizing Salazar's preference for a controlled and less overtly oppressive regime.

Comparison with Other Fascist Dictators

Salazar's approach diverged from other European dictators in several key ways:

• Technocratic Governance: Unlike Hitler's ideological extremism or Mussolini's charismatic nationalism, Salazar prioritized economic expertise and pragmatic administration.

• Limited Cult of Personality: Salazar avoided the excessive glorification of self, maintaining a more reserved public persona.

• Focus on Stability: His primary goal was to ensure Portugal's economic and social stability rather than territorial expansion or mass mobilization.

“He's probably the smartest of these kind of right-wing dictators in Europe in this period,” May observes at [66:09], underscoring Salazar's unique blend of intellect and authoritarianism.

Conclusion and Insights

Antonio Salazar's dictatorship presents a distinct model of authoritarian rule, blending economic competence with systematic repression. His ability to stabilize Portugal's economy earned him longevity in power, while his cautious approach to repression prevented the emergence of violent mass resistance. Salazar's legacy is a testament to the complex interplay between economic management and political control in authoritarian regimes.

Notable Quotes

• “Antonio Salazar is the Tom Brady of dictators.” – Jeff May [06:52]

• “He never tries. This is not a totalitarian state in the same way that is attempted in, like, Germany.” – Robert Evans [68:43]

• “He's probably the smartest of these kind of right-wing dictators in Europe in this period.” – Jeff May [66:09]

• “He’s a great man.” – Jeff May [61:49]

Final Thoughts

Behind the Bastards offers an engaging and insightful exploration of one of Europe's lesser-known authoritarian figures. Through a blend of historical analysis and the hosts' signature humor, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Salazar's rise to power and the intricacies of his regime.

Stay Tuned

Don't miss Part Two, where Robert Evans and Jeff May continue their deep dive into Antonio Salazar's reign, uncovering more about his policies, personal life, and the lasting effects of Estado Novo on Portugal.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections from the original podcast transcript to provide a focused and coherent overview of the episode's main discussions.