The national political commission of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) expressed “genuine and profound consternation” over the death of former Valongo mayor and party member No. 89, Fernando Melo, remembered as “a cherished figure among the party’s base, particularly in the North region.”
“The development and progress Fernando Melo brought to Valongo are undeniable. He was a leader close to the people of Valongo, leaving a legacy of exemplary governance,” the party emphasized.
The PSD highlighted Fernando Melo’s career as the civil governor of Porto, president of ARS Norte, Lipor, and the jurisdiction council of PSD/Porto, as well as his role as a member of the advisory council of the Futebol Clube do Porto.
For the PSD, “his legacy should inspire younger generations who often seek historical references,” noting that Fernando Melo’s “life path, human and civic qualities, should always be remembered.”
“The PSD leadership expresses gratitude for Fernando Melo’s dedication to Valongo and Portugal; heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and friends,” the statement reads.
The former social-democratic mayor of the Valongo City Council and former civil governor of Porto, Fernando Melo, passed away early Monday morning at age 89 at the Hospital de Santo António, confirmed by a PSD source.
Fernando Horácio Moreira Pereira de Melo was born in 1936 and graduated in Medicine from the University of Porto, specializing in Gastroenterology.
After April 25, 1974, he joined the PSD as the party’s member No. 87.
His first political position was as president of the Regional Health Administration in the North (ARS-Norte), followed by serving as the Civil Governor of Porto from 1991 to 1993.
In 1993, Fernando Melo was elected president of the Valongo City Council, a position he held for 18 years until he stepped down in 2012 for health reasons.
Among other roles, Fernando Melo was also president of Lipor – the association of municipalities for sustainable waste management in Greater Porto, president of PSD Porto’s Jurisdiction, and a member of the advisory council of Futebol Clube do Porto.
The cause of Fernando Melo’s death was not disclosed.
