The Brazilian government expressed its condolences upon learning of the passing of former Portuguese Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Brazilian diplomatic service highlighted Francisco Pinto Balsemão as a “prominent figure in Portuguese political history.”
“Besides being a businessman and journalist, Balsemão played a significant role in the democratic consolidation of his country, serving as head of government between 1981 and 1983,” the Brazilian government noted, emphasizing that his political career was marked “by dialogue and the pursuit of political and economic stability during a defining moment for Portugal.”
“In extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the former prime minister, the Brazilian government expresses its solidarity with the Portuguese government and people,” the statement concluded.
Former Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão, the founder and member number one of the PSD, of which he also was president, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão headed the media group Impresa, which includes Expresso, established during the dictatorship in 1973, and SIC, the first private television channel in Portugal, founded in 1992.
In 1974, following the 25th of April revolution, he co-founded the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) with Francisco Sá Carneiro and Magalhães Mota, later renamed the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
He was a member of the Council of State, a political advisory body to the President of the Republic.
