Mario Soares

Soares co-founded the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS) in West Germany, in exile from the Estado Novo regime. The party became a key force in the democratic transition after the Carnation Revolution.

After the Carnation Revolution overthrew the Estado Novo, Soares returned from exile to Portugal. He was greeted by large crowds and immediately entered the political negotiations for the new democratic regime.

Soares became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Portugal after the Carnation Revolution, leading a minority Socialist government. His election marked the consolidation of democratic institutions.

As Prime Minister, Soares led the negotiations for Portugal's accession to the European Economic Community (EEC). The treaty was signed in 1985, integrating Portugal into the European project and modernizing its economy.

Soares was elected President of the Republic, becoming the first civilian president since the Carnation Revolution. He served two five-year terms, providing stability and continuity during Portugal's consolidation of democracy.