The purpose of this article is to address the modernization process of public administration in Portugal from the 1950s to 1970s, a period largely characterised by policies created and implemented by Salazar as President of the Council of Ministers, during 36 years of government (1932-1968). This paper is based on empirical evidence collected from various sources and written from the perspective of a practitioner. It derives from the professional experience of the author, who from 1970 onwards was personally involved in public management, policy formulation and implementation.