Francisco Pinto Balsemão, former Prime Minister and founder of the Impresa Group, owner of SIC and Expresso, has passed away at the age of 88. This Tuesday, Portugal lost a central figure in politics and journalism, leaving behind a legacy built on freedom and the power of words.
Image: DR
On September 1, 2025, his 88th birthday, Pinto Balsemão was decorated by the President of the Republic with the Grã-Cruz da Ordem de Camões, adding to his extensive list of awards and distinctions.
In the Genesis of Freedom
His democratic legacy began even before the Carnation Revolution, with his involvement in the Ala Liberal. After the revolution, he co-founded the PPD (now PSD) alongside Francisco Sá Carneiro and Joaquim Magalhães Mota.
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In 1980, he served as Minister of State and Assistant to the Prime Minister. Following the tragic death of Sá Carneiro, Balsemão led the VII and VIII Constitutional Governments from 1981 to 1983. His tenure was crucial in preparing Portugal for EEC accession, highlighted by the 1982 constitutional revision.
Image: DR
From Print to Screen: At the Forefront of Journalism
In journalism, after a notable stint at Diário Popular, he founded Expresso, a weekly that quickly became a symbol of press freedom in Portugal.
Image: DR
In the early 1990s, he pioneered the opening of television to the private sector by founding SIC in October 1992. His commitment to cutting-edge journalism continued with the launch of SIC Notícias in 2001, Portugal's first thematic news channel.
Image: DR
Francisco Pinto Balsemão's legacy is etched into Portugal's history, spanning decades of political, social, and media transformation. Through his dedication to journalism and passion for freedom, he upheld a mission based on rigor and the right to inform and be informed. His discreet gestures and firm choices exemplify democratic commitment and fidelity to the word, leaving an indelible mark on a nation he never ceased to challenge and inspire.
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