Francisco Balsemão
Biography of Francisco Balsemão
Francisco Pinto Balsemão (born September 1, 1937) is a Portuguese journalist, businessman, and politician who served as the 118th Prime Minister of Portugal from 1981 to 1985. He founded the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD) in 1974 and was its first President.
Balsemão was born in Lisbon, Portugal. He studied law at the University of Lisbon and then worked as a journalist. In 1974, he founded the PSD, which quickly became one of the largest parties in Portugal. Balsemão was elected Prime Minister in 1981 and served until 1985.
During his time as Prime Minister, Balsemão oversaw Portugal's entry into the European Community (now the European Union) in 1986. He also implemented a number of economic reforms, including privatizing state-owned companies.
Career of Francisco Balsemão
After leaving politics, Balsemão returned to journalism. He founded the newspaper Expresso in 1985 and served as its editor-in-chief until 2000. He also served as President of the European Publishers Council from 1992 to 1996.
In 2006, Balsemão was appointed President of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation, a philanthropic organization. He is also a member of the Club of Rome, a group of international leaders who meet to discuss global issues.
Accomplishments of Francisco Balsemão
Balsemão is a respected figure in Portuguese society. He has been awarded numerous honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ and the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry.
Balsemão's accomplishments include:
- Founding the PSD, which became one of the largest parties in Portugal
- Serving as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1981 to 1985
- Overseeing Portugal's entry into the European Community
- Implementing a number of economic reforms
- Founding the newspaper Expresso
- Serving as President of the European Publishers Council
- Appointed President of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation
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