“Francisco Pinto Balsemão will be remembered not only for his extraordinary political career and his significant role in consolidating democracy in Portugal but also for his visionary leadership in the media sector, his steadfast defense of press freedom, and his academic and cultural contributions that marked several generations,” stated the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in a message sent to Portuguese authorities.
In the letter, the Timorese head of state also expressed hope that the “memory of Francisco Pinto Balsemão continues to be a source of inspiration for all who value freedom, democracy, and public service.
“May his legacy continue to positively influence future generations,” he added.
The former Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão, founder and member number one of the PSD, which he also presided over, passed away on Tuesday at 88.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão chaired the media group Impresa, which includes Expresso, founded by him during the dictatorship in 1973, and SIC, the first private television channel in Portugal, created in 1992.
In 1974, following the April 25th Revolution, he founded, alongside Francisco Sá Carneiro and Magalhães Mota, the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), later the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
After the death of Francisco Sá Carneiro, Balsemão assumed the presidency of the PSD between 1980 and 1983 and led the VII and VIII constitutional governments of the AD between 1981 and 1983.
He was a member of the Council of State, a political advisory body to the President of the Republic.
