The History of Portugal Presidency

The history of Portugal’s presidency can be traced back to its establishment as a sovereign nation. Here is a detailed overview of Portugal’s presidency throughout its history:

Early Kingdoms and the Portuguese Reconquista (12th to 13th centuries)

• The foundation of Portugal dates back to the 12th century when Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself the first King of Portugal in 1139.
• The Portuguese monarchy consolidated its power and expanded through the Reconquista, a series of campaigns to retake territories from the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Several monarchs ruled Portugal during this period, including notable figures such as Afonso III, Dinis I, and João I.

Age of Discoveries and Global Empire (15th to 16th centuries)

• Portugal’s presidency took on a new dimension during the Age of Discoveries (15th to 16th centuries) when Portuguese explorers embarked on maritime expeditions, establishing trade routes and colonies around the world.
• Under the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator, explorers like Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, and Ferdinand Magellan made significant discoveries and opened up lucrative trade routes.
• Portugal established a vast global empire, including territories in Africa, Asia, and South America, making it one of the most influential European powers of the time.

Union with Spain and Restoration of Independence (17th century)

• In 1580, following the death of King Sebastian without a direct heir, Portugal entered into a union with Spain under King Philip II.
• This period, known as the Iberian Union, lasted for 60 years, during which Portugal experienced significant cultural and economic integration with Spain.
• However, Portugal’s desire for independence persisted, leading to the Portuguese Restoration War (1640 until 1668), which successfully ended Spanish rule and restored Portugal’s independence.

Constitutional Monarchy and Republican Era (19th to 20th centuries)

• In the 19th century, Portugal underwent a series of political changes, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the implementation of liberal reforms.
• During this period, several political crises and conflicts arose, such as the Liberal Wars (1828 until 1834) and the establishment of the First Republic in 1910.
• Portugal faced economic challenges, political instability, and military involvement in colonial wars, notably in Africa.

Authoritarian Regime and Transition to Democracy (20th century)

• Portugal experienced nearly five decades of authoritarian rule under António de Oliveira Salazar, who established the Estado Novo (“New State”) in 1933.
• Salazar’s regime was characterized by censorship, repression, and economic autarky, but it also promoted stability and economic development in some areas.
• In 1974, a peaceful military coup known as the Carnation Revolution overthrew the authoritarian regime and initiated a transition to democracy.

Democratic Era and European Union Membership (20th to 21st centuries)

• Following the Carnation Revolution, Portugal underwent a period of democratic consolidation and political reforms.
• Portugal joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the European Union (EU), in 1986, which brought significant economic benefits and strengthened ties with other European nations.
• In recent decades, Portugal has experienced periods of economic growth, modernization, and political stability, becoming an active member of the EU and participating in various international organizations.

Recent Developments

• Portugal held the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time in 1992 and subsequently in 2000 and 2007, contributing to the European integration process.
• In recent years, Portugal has faced challenges such as the global economic crisis, the European debt crisis, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted its economy and society.
• Portugal continues to play an active role in international affairs, both within the EU and on the global stage, advocating for issues such as climate change, human rights, and international cooperation.

It’s important to note that Portugal’s presidency has evolved over time, transitioning from a monarchy to a republic and adapting to changing political and historical contexts. The country’s presidency has shaped its identity, influence, and relationships with other nations throughout its rich history.

Here is a list of the Presidents of Portugal since the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910:

Manuel de Arriaga (1911 until 1915)

• Manuel de Arriaga was the first President of Portugal after the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic in 1910.
• He served as President from 1911 until 1915.
• Arriaga was a lawyer and professor, and he played a crucial role in the republican movement leading up to the revolution.

Teófilo Braga (1915)

• Teófilo Braga served as the interim President of Portugal for a brief period in 1915.
• He was a writer, philosopher, and professor who made significant contributions to Portuguese literature and culture.

Bernardino Machado (1915 until 1917, 1925 until 1926)

• Bernardino Machado was a prominent politician and academic who served as President of Portugal on two occasions.
• He first assumed the presidency in 1915 but was overthrown in a military coup in 1917.
• Machado returned to the presidency in 1925 but was again overthrown in 1926, leading to the establishment of a military dictatorship.

Sidónio Pais (1917 until 1918)

• Sidónio Pais was a military officer and politician who came to power through a coup in 1917.
• He assumed the presidency and established an authoritarian regime known as the “New Republic.”
• Pais was assassinated in 1918, leading to political instability and the eventual collapse of his regime.

João do Canto e Castro (1918 until 1919)

• João do Canto e Castro was a naval officer and politician who became President of Portugal in 1918.
• He served as a transitional president during a period of political turmoil following the assassination of Sidónio Pais.
• Canto e Castro’s presidency was marked by efforts to restore stability and prepare the country for a return to democratic rule.

António José de Almeida (1919 until 1923)

• António José de Almeida, a lawyer, and politician, was elected President of Portugal in 1919.
• He played a crucial role in the transition to democracy and the drafting of the Portuguese Constitution of 1911.
• Almeida’s presidency focused on social and economic reforms, but he faced political challenges and was eventually overthrown in a military coup in 1923.

Manuel Teixeira Gomes (1923 until 1925)

• Manuel Teixeira Gomes was a writer and diplomat who served as President of Portugal from 1923 to 1925.
• His presidency was marked by political instability and conflicts between various political factions.
• Teixeira Gomes resigned from the presidency in 1925, disillusioned with the political situation in Portugal.

Óscar Carmona (1926 until 1951)

• Óscar Carmona, a general, assumed power in 1926 following a military coup that established the Estado Novo dictatorship.
• Carmona served as President of Portugal for 25 years, making him the longest-serving president in Portuguese history.
• His presidency was characterized by authoritarian rule, censorship, and suppression of political opposition.

Francisco Craveiro Lopes (1951 until 1958)

• Francisco Craveiro Lopes, a general, succeeded Óscar Carmona as President in 1951.
• He served as a transitional figure during the Estado Novo regime, attempting to implement some political reforms.
• Craveiro Lopes’s presidency saw an increase in political dissent and growing demands for democratic reforms.

Américo Tomás (1958 until 1974)

• Américo Tomás, an army officer, was the last President of the Estado Novo regime.
• He held the presidency for 16 years, overseeing a period of political stagnation and social unrest.
• Tomás’s presidency ended with the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which led to the establishment of democracy in Portugal.

António de Spínola (1974)

• António de Spínola was a general who briefly served as the interim President of Portugal in 1974.
• He played a significant role in the early stages of the Carnation Revolution but resigned shortly after due to political disagreements.

Francisco da Costa Gomes (1974 until 1976)

• Francisco da Costa Gomes, a general, succeeded Spínola as President in 1974.
• He played a vital role in the transitional period following the Carnation Revolution, overseeing the establishment of democratic institutions.
• Gomes’s presidency focused on stabilizing the country and preparing for democratic elections.

Ramalho Eanes (1976 until 1986)

• António Ramalho Eanes, a general, was the first President of Portugal elected by universal suffrage.
• He served two consecutive terms from 1976 to 1986 and played a crucial role in consolidating democracy and implementing economic reforms.
• Eanes’s presidency was marked by political and social changes, including Portugal’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC).

Mário Soares (1986 until 1996)

• Mário Soares was a prominent politician and a key figure in the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS).
• He served as President from 1986 to 1996, being the first civilian president after the Carnation Revolution.
• Soares played a crucial role in strengthening Portugal’s democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and guiding the country’s integration into the European Union.

Jorge Sampaio (1996 until 2006)

• Jorge Sampaio, a lawyer and politician affiliated with the Socialist Party, served as President for two terms.
• He held the presidency from 1996 to 2006, focusing on social issues, human rights, and Portugal’s international engagement.
• Sampaio played a crucial role in Portugal’s entry into the eurozone and was known for his activism and advocacy for social causes.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva (2006 until 2016)

• Aníbal Cavaco Silva, an economist and member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), served as President from 2006 to 2016.
• He was the first center-right president since the Carnation Revolution and focused on economic stability, fiscal responsibility, and modernization.
• Silva’s presidency coincided with Portugal’s response to the global financial crisis and the subsequent European debt crisis.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (2016 until present)

• Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a law professor and politician, has been serving as the President of Portugal since 2016.
• He represents the center-right Social Democratic Party and is known for his accessible and engaging style of leadership.
• Sousa’s presidency has been marked by his active engagement with the public, national and international affairs, and his response to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are the individuals who have served as Presidents of Portugal since the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. Each has played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape and contributing to its development.