The CDS-PP released a statement tonight expressing its sorrow over the death of Francisco Pinto Balsemão and extending its “sincere condolences” to his family, friends, and the PSD.
The centrists highlight, “Founder of the PPD/PSD, former Prime Minister of Portugal, Pinto Balsemão led a life dedicated from a very early age to the defense of freedom and democracy, as well as a free press, notably as founder of Expresso and the Impresa Group.”
Former Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão, founder and first member of the PSD, passed away today at the age of 88.
As the founder and first member of the PSD, Balsemão led the VII and VIII Constitutional Governments from 1981 to 1983. He established the newspaper Expresso before the April 25th Revolution and later founded SIC.
The VII Constitutional Government, the first of two led by PSD founder Francisco Pinto Balsemão, took office on January 9, 1981, following the death of Francisco Sá Carneiro, ending its term on September 4 of the same year.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão subsequently led the VIII Constitutional Government until June 9, 1983. This administration included the position of Deputy Prime Minister held by the then CDS leader Freitas do Amaral, who was not part of the previous government by personal choice. The current President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, served as Secretary of State for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
