University of Coimbra Prize awarded to Francisco Pinto Balsemão
The journalist and entrepreneur is being honoured for his 'dedication to the public cause and the promotion of freedom of the press.' The award will be presented on the 1st of March during the solemn session commemorating the 734th anniversary of the University of Coimbra.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão, journalist, entrepreneur and former Prime Minister of Portugal (1981-1983), founder and current Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Impresa Group, is the recipient of the 2023 University of Coimbra (UC) Prize, sponsored by the Santander Portugal Foundation. The prize will be awarded on the 1st of March during the 734th anniversary celebrations of the University of Coimbra.
"I am pleased to announce that Francisco Pinto Balsemão is the winner of the 2024 University of Coimbra Prize. Few people have had such a distinguished career, and we now honour him for his key role in the establishment and consolidation of Portuguese democracy, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary on 25 April this year. Dedicated to the public cause since the end of the dictatorship, Pinto Balsemão has played a pivotal role in promoting freedom of the press - an essential component of a democratic society. This is particularly important today, as we witness its threat amid a serious crisis affecting several national media. Since 1973, Francisco Pinto Balsemão has provided a voice to Portuguese society, addressing issues that others might prefer to silence through the various media outlets he has founded. He undoubtedly deserves to be included in the list of personalities who have received this award since 2004," said UC Rector Amílcar Falcão, who chairs the UC Prize jury.
Pedro Castro e Almeida, CEO of Santander Portugal, said "Francisco Pinto Balsemão has a remarkable career in every respect – as a businessman, journalist, and political leader. His exemplary contribution to democracy and freedom of the press is evident through the founding of the newspaper Expresso in 1973 and his leadership of [media companies] Impresa and SIC. He continues to stand out for his commitment to the development of individuals, families, businesses, and communities. I congratulate the members of the jury on their decision to award him the University of Coimbra Prize."
Awarded for the first time in 2004, the UC Prize, worth 25,000 euros (10,000 euros for the winner and 15,000 euros for a research grant from Santander to support the development of work in a field chosen by the winner), annually honours a Portuguese personality 'of unquestionable merit in their field - culture, business and management and/or science and innovation - who, over the past year, has stood out for their unconditional support for the development of people, families, companies and communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable social growth'.
Biographical note on Francisco Pinto Balsemão:
Francisco Pinto Balsemão is the founder and chairman of the Impresa Group - Portugal's largest media conglomerate - and is the majority shareholder.
He played a prominent role as one of the most active members of the so-called Liberal Wing in Parliament before the Carnation Revolution. After 25 April 1974, he co-founded the Social Democratic Party and held positions such as member and vice-president of the Constituent Assembly (1975), member of the Portuguese Parliament (1979, 1980 and 1985) and Deputy Minister in the VI Constitutional Government (1980). He was Prime Minister in the VII and VIII Constitutional Governments from 1981 to 1983.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão has been a member of the Council of State since July 2005.