The president of Portugal’s Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, expressed his sentiments on social media following the passing of Francisco Pinto Balsemão on Tuesday, acknowledging it was a significant loss for the country. Balsemão, who was 88, is remembered as a key figure who contributed greatly to Portugal’s modern, democratic identity.
Aguiar-Branco highlighted Balsemão’s dedication to his vision for Portugal, describing him as a man who “knew what he wanted: a free, modern, democratic, European country.” He commended Balsemão for his relentless pursuit of these goals, noting his innovative spirit and willingness to take risks.
He emphasized the substantial impact Balsemão had on shaping contemporary Portugal, stating, “The country that is Portugal today owes much to Francisco Pinto Balsemão.” Aguiar-Branco further remarked, “And if we are here today, we owe it to him as well.”
Aguiar-Branco acknowledged that in the coming days, discussions would center around the various facets of Balsemão’s life — as a journalist, entrepreneur, and politician — but stressed the importance of recognizing how these dimensions were interconnected.
The government has declared national mourning for today and Thursday, coinciding with the funeral services for Pinto Balsemão.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão was a former leader of the PSD, ex-prime minister, and the founder of Expresso and SIC. His death marks the end of a significant era in Portuguese media and politics.
Balsemão established the weekly newspaper Expresso in 1973, amidst a dictatorship, and also founded SIC, the first private television channel in Portugal, in 1992. Additionally, he was instrumental in forming the Impresa media group.
In 1974, following the Carnation Revolution on April 25th, he co-founded the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), later known as the Social Democratic Party (PSD), with Francisco Sá Carneiro and Magalhães Mota. Balsemão led two governments from 1981 to 1983 after Sá Carneiro’s death and remained a member of the Council of State, an advisory body to the President of the Republic, until his own passing.
