“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Octávio Félix de Oliveira,” stated Luis Montenegro, highlighting his “exemplary work” in public service in a note posted on social media.
“Portugal owes him a great deal for the exemplary work he performed in his public roles, particularly his dedication to the social sector,” emphasized the Portuguese executive leader.
“Therefore, I extend heartfelt condolences, on my behalf and on behalf of the Government of Portugal, to family and friends. Thank you, Octávio,” Luis Montenegro concluded.
Octávio Félix de Oliveira, president of the Institute of Social Security (ISS) and former Secretary of State for Employment under Passos Coelho, died today at the age of 65 following a prolonged illness, as confirmed to Lusa by an official source from the ministry.
The news was initially reported by the Jornal de Abrantes and confirmed to Lusa by the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security.
Graduated in Organization and Business Management from the Higher Institute of Economics of Lisbon Technical University, Octávio Oliveira had been president of the Institute of Social Security since May 22, 2024, succeeding Ana Vasques, who resigned due to issues concerning the IRS retention on pensions and citing the Government’s “lack of confidence” in her work.
According to his biography announced by the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security, Octávio Oliveira served as Secretary of State for Employment from 2013 to 2015 under Pedro Passos Coelho’s governments and chaired the Board of Directors of the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) from 2011 to 2013.
“In that capacity, he represented Portugal at the OECD, LEED Committee, Advisory Committee on Free Movement of Workers, and the European Union Employment Committee,” according to the MTSSS.
The same note states that Octávio Félix de Oliveira joined the IEFP as a senior technician in 1987, where he held “various management roles in both the central core and regional centers.”
“He was director of the Professional Training Center for the Ceramics Industry in Caldas da Rainha (2005-2011) and director of the Vocational Training Centre for the Electronics, Energy, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Industry (2016-2024),” it added.
The ministry also noted that “throughout his professional life, he served as a teaching assistant trainee at the University of Beira Interior from 1985 to 1987 and at the Higher School of Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém in 1994, 1997, and 1998.”
