The FLAD announced that Francisco Pinto Balsemão was “a unique Portuguese who, as a politician and media entrepreneur, placed significant emphasis on Portugal’s role in the world and the strengthening of transatlantic relations, not only State to State or in the business sector, but with particular attention to strengthening ties with Luso-American communities.”
The foundation, led by Nuno Morais Sarmento, highlighted that Balsemão was “for several years the only permanent Portuguese member of the Bilderberg group — an international forum (Europe USA) that gathers political, business, and academic leaders with the primary goal of strengthening transatlantic relations.”
“For all this, the FLAD pays tribute to this great Portuguese and thanks him for the unique contribution he made to what is also the reason for our institution’s existence: to create and strengthen strong and lasting ties between Portugal and the United States of America,” the statement reads.
According to the foundation, “the contemporary history of Portugal cannot be recounted without frequently crossing paths with the figure of Pinto Balsemão.”
“He fought the dictatorship in politics and journalism. The weekly Expresso he created still during the dictatorship played a fundamental role in regime change and the consolidation of a western democracy after the revolution of April 25,” it added.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão, former leader of the PSD, ex-prime minister, and founder of Expresso and SIC, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88.
The Government declared two days of national mourning, coinciding with the funeral ceremonies, which began on Wednesday and conclude today.
