Francisco Balsemao

Francisco Balsemao: A Life Dedicated to Public Service, Journalism, and Politics

Early Life and Education

Francisco Balsemao was born on September 1, 1937, in Lisbon, Portugal. His parents were António Balsemao, a lawyer, and Maria do Carmo Balsemao. Francisco attended the University of Lisbon, where he studied law and journalism. After graduating, he began his career as a journalist at the newspaper Diário de Notícias.

Journalistic Career

Balsemao quickly rose through the ranks at Diário de Notícias, eventually becoming editor-in-chief. He was known for his independent and critical journalism, which often challenged the authoritarian regime of António de Oliveira Salazar. In 1974, following the Carnation Revolution, Balsemao was appointed director of the Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP), the national public broadcaster.

Political Career

In 1975, Balsemao entered politics, joining the Partido Social Democrata (PSD). He was elected to the Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution for Portugal. Balsemao played a key role in the drafting of the constitution, which was approved in 1976.

In 1981, Balsemao was elected leader of the PSD. He served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1981 to 1985.

Prime Minister of Portugal

During his time as Prime Minister, Balsemao focused on economic reform and social justice. He implemented a series of measures to reduce inflation and unemployment, and he also expanded access to education and healthcare.

Balsemao's government also played a key role in Portugal's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC). Portugal joined the EEC in 1986, and Balsemao is credited with helping to secure the country's membership.

Later Life

After leaving office, Balsemao remained active in public life. He wrote several books and articles, and he also served as a professor at the University of Lisbon. In 2005, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty.

Francisco Balsemao died on April 4, 2011, at the age of 73. He is remembered as one of Portugal's most important political figures, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Portuguese citizens.