1986 – The death year of the Portuguese political-economic freedom: critical notes surrounding the romance The Stone Raft

Abstract

José Saramago’s criticisms in his literary works and in his diaries are very clear about the harm brought about by the conservative political process restarted since the counter-revolution of November 25th, which culminated in Portugal’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC), leading to the prolongation of the workers’ poverty level. During so many years living with this critical resentment, arising mainly from the economic dependence that Portugal has historically suffered, always under the “protection” of a stronger power, Saramago became more and more convinced of the criticism he has drawn in his 1986 novel, A Jangada de Pedra (The Stone Raft). He then preferred to make the raft sail through Atlantic waters than see it sink in front of the new impositions of Franco-German banks and financial centers. In this way, Saramago offers a new opportunity for Iberians to rethink and choose their partnerships and identities, reconstituting the ideas and values that unite individuals.