Gonçalo Saraiva Matias is set to lead the newly established Ministry of State Reform, marking his return to government affairs after a brief stint in 2015 under Passos Coelho's second administration. Alongside Maria Lúcia Amaral, Matias is one of the fresh faces in the ministerial lineup presented by Prime Minister-designate Luís Montenegro to the President of the Republic.
A Scholar at the Helm
A professor at the Faculty of Law of the Portuguese Catholic University, where he completed his undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies, Matias has been at the forefront of academic and administrative leadership. Since 2022, he served as the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation, a role he took on after years as an administrator within the foundation.
Familiar Territory
Matias's appointment as Minister Adjunto and for State Reform brings him back to a familiar arena. He previously held the position of Secretary of State Adjunto and for Administrative Modernization during Passos Coelho's short-lived 27-day government in 2015.
Born in Lisbon in 1979, Matias has a rich academic and professional background, specializing in Regulatory, Administrative, Constitutional, and International Law. His work has taken him across the globe, including research as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Georgetown University Law School and as a guest professor at Washington University in St. Louis.
A Champion for Social Causes
Matias has been vocal about poverty as a critical challenge for Portuguese society. His contributions extend to directing the Observatory of Migrations and being one of the four citizens of "recognized merit" invited to join the National Council for Migration and Asylum in 2024, chaired by António Vitorino.
In recognition of his contributions, Matias was awarded the Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry in 2016, a testament to his dedication and impact in his field.
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