The death of Francisco Pinto de Balsemão captured global attention, with numerous international media outlets highlighting the event and recognizing him as a pivotal figure in Portuguese democracy.
The Spanish newspaper El País reported on the death of the founder of the Impresa group, recalling a recent quote from the journalist: “I don’t want to die, but I am aware that my train is about to arrive at the station. I am prepared for it.” The publication refers to Pinto Balsemão as “a reference for the generation that transitioned to democracy” in Portugal.
The Associated Press selected a photograph of Pinto Balsemão alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger to announce his passing. In their report, they describe him as “the creator of a media empire.” The agency notes that he was appointed Prime Minister of Portugal in 1981 following the death of Francisco Sá Carneiro in a plane crash in Lisbon.
