Mário Soares

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Mário Soares

Name	Mário Soares
Birth name
Birth date	7 December 1924
Birth place	Lisbon, Portugal
Death date	7 January 2017
Death place	Lisbon, Portugal
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician, Lawyer
Years active
Organization
Known for	President of Portugal, Prime Minister of Portugal
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Mário Alberto Nobre Lopes Soares (7 December 1924 – 7 January 2017) was a prominent Portuguese politician and statesman who played a crucial role in the establishment of democracy in Portugal. He served as both Prime Minister and President of Portugal, and was a key figure in the country's transition from dictatorship to democracy following the Carnation Revolution.

Early Life and Education

Mário Soares was born in Lisbon, Portugal, to João Lopes Soares, a liberal republican and anti-fascist activist, and Elisa Nobre Baptista. He was educated at the University of Lisbon, where he studied history, philosophy, and law. Soares became involved in political activism during his university years, joining the resistance against the Estado Novo regime led by António de Oliveira Salazar.

Political Career

Early Activism

Soares was a member of the Portuguese Communist Party in his early years but later distanced himself from communism, becoming a founding member of the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS) in 1973. His political activities led to multiple arrests and periods of exile during the dictatorship.

Role in the Carnation Revolution

The Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974 was a peaceful coup that overthrew the Estado Novo regime. Soares returned from exile and became a leading figure in the revolutionary government. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in the first provisional government, where he played a significant role in decolonizing Portuguese territories in Africa.

Prime Minister

Soares served as Prime Minister of Portugal in three separate terms: 1976–1978, 1983–1985, and briefly in 1985. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the economy, integrate Portugal into the European Economic Community (EEC), and consolidate democratic institutions.

Presidency

In 1986, Soares was elected as the first civilian President of Portugal since 1926, serving two terms until 1996. His presidency was characterized by efforts to promote social justice, economic modernization, and Portugal's integration into the European Union.

Legacy

Mário Soares is remembered as a pivotal figure in Portuguese history, instrumental in the country's transition to democracy and its integration into the European community. His leadership during the turbulent post-revolutionary period helped lay the foundations for modern Portuguese democracy.

Also see

• Carnation Revolution
• Portuguese Socialist Party
• António de Oliveira Salazar
• European Economic Community
• Presidents of Portugal