“It was with great consternation that I learned of the passing of Octávio Félix de Oliveira,” stated Luis Montenegro, emphasizing his “exemplary work” in public service, in a note posted on social media.
“Portugal owes him much for the exemplary work he performed in his public duties, especially for his dedication to the social sector,” highlighted the Portuguese executive leader.
“Therefore, I extend my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of myself and the Government of Portugal, to the family and friends. Thank you, Octávio,” concluded Luis Montenegro.
Octávio Félix de Oliveira, President of the Institute of Social Security (ISS) and former Secretary of State for Employment under Passos Coelho, passed away today at the age of 65, after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by an official source to Lusa.
The news was initially reported by the Abrantes newspaper and confirmed to Lusa by the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security.
Holding a degree in Organization and Business Management from the Instituto Superior de Economia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Octávio Oliveira had been President of the Institute of Social Security since May 22, 2024, succeeding Ana Vasques, who resigned following the issue of withholding IRS on pensions and due to the government’s “lack of confidence” in her work.
According to the biographical note at the time of his appointment by the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, Octávio Oliveira served as Secretary of State for Employment from 2013 to 2015 in the governments of Pedro Passos Coelho. He also chaired the Board of Directors of the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP) from 2011 to 2013.
“In this role, he represented Portugal at the OECD, LEED Committee, Advisory Committee on the Free Movement of Workers, and the European Union Employment Committee,” stated the MTSSS.
The note further mentioned that Octávio Félix de Oliveira joined the IEFP as a senior technician in 1987, where he held “various management roles, both in its central core and regional centers.”
“He was Director of the Professional Training Center for the Ceramic Industry in Caldas da Rainha (2005-2011) and Director of the Professional Training Center for the Electronic, Energy, Telecommunications, and Information Technologies Industry (2016-2024),” it added.
The ministry also noted that “throughout his professional life, he served as a teaching assistant at the Instituto Universitário da Beira Interior from 1985 to 1987, and at the School of Management, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, in 1994, 1997, and 1998.”
