The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed “deep sadness” on Monday over the death of José António Camacho, a former deputy to the Constituent Assembly and the first regional secretary of Planning, Finance, and Commerce of Madeira’s first government, at the age of 79.
“With longing, the President of the Republic recalls the common journey shared with José António Camacho, his colleague in the Constituent Assembly, whom he always recognized for his constant dedication and genuine commitment to the values they shared,” reads a note published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic.
The head of state also highlighted in the note the “very relevant contribution” of José António Camacho to the regional autonomy process of Madeira.
“Besides his role at the national level, as a Deputy to the Assembly of the Republic, particularly during the significant period of the drafting of the democratic Constitution of 1976, José António Camacho also made a very relevant contribution in the early days of the autonomy process, having been part of the first Regional Government of Madeira,” it adds.
“Having started his professional life in teaching, he always continued to educate and impart the values he believed in, especially to the younger generations, with the affability that characterized him,” it emphasizes.
With “profound sadness and recalling the friendship,” the President of the Republic “extends his condolences to the family, friends, the Autonomous Region of Madeira, and the Social Democratic Party (PSD).”
“Historical figure of Madeira’s insular autonomy”
The death of the social democrat was confirmed on Sunday by both the PSD and the Madeira executive.
In a statement, the social-democratic parliamentary group in the island’s parliament announced that “the PSD will pay homage to this militant and former governor with a vote of condolence to be submitted to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira.”
“Born in April 1946, a leader of Banif and a professor of Mathematics and Economics, he was regarded as an empathetic and professional man, having played an important role in Madeira’s governance,” the party emphasized, lamenting his death.
The Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP), led by social democrat Miguel Albuquerque, also issued a note of “deep sorrow” over the death of José António Camacho, calling him a “historical figure of Madeira’s insular autonomy.”
José António Camacho was part of the list for the Constituent Assembly of 1975, along with António Castro Varela, Emanuel Rodrigues, José Carlos Rodrigues, and Maria Élia Brito Câmara, among the first deputies elected by PSD/Madeira, recalls the Madeira executive.
He was also the regional secretary of Planning, Finance, and Commerce in Madeira’s first Regional Government (1976-1978), led by Jaime Ornelas Camacho.
“In this hour of sorrow, the Madeira executive highlights the significant journey and contributions of José António Camacho in the early years of our political autonomy and self-governing bodies,” the note further states.
The former deputy to the Constituent Assembly and the first regional secretary of Planning, Finance, and Commerce of Madeira’s first government, José António Camacho, has died at the age of 79, announced the PSD and the Madeira executive today.
Lusa | 15:14 – 13/07/2025
