Pioneering the Presidency: Portugal’s First Presidential Leader

Manuel de Arriaga Brum da Silveira e Peyrelongue was the first President of the Portuguese Republic, serving from 1911 to 1915. He was born in Horta, Azores, Portugal, on July 8, 1840. His father, Manuel Joaquim Brum da Silveira e Peyrelongue, was a wealthy merchant and landowner, and his mother, Maria Conceição Brum da Silveira e Peyrelongue, was a homemaker.

Arriaga studied law at the University of Coimbra and graduated in 1862. He then returned to the Azores and began practicing law. He quickly became involved in politics and was elected to the Cortes Gerais, the Portuguese parliament, in 1870. He served in the Cortes for several terms and held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In 1910, Arriaga was one of the leaders of the republican revolution that overthrew the Portuguese monarchy. He was elected President of the Republic in 1911 and served until 1915. During his presidency, Arriaga oversaw the establishment of the Portuguese Republic and the adoption of a new constitution. He also played a role in Portugal’s entry into World War I on the side of the Allies.

Arriaga died in Lisbon, Portugal, on November 27, 1917. He is remembered as one of the founders of the Portuguese Republic and a symbol of democracy and progress.

**Backgrounds and history:**

• Born in Horta, Azores, Portugal, on July 8, 1840.
• Father was a wealthy merchant and landowner.
• Mother was a homemaker.
• Studied law at the University of Coimbra and graduated in 1862.
• Practiced law in the Azores.
• Elected to the Cortes Gerais, the Portuguese parliament, in 1870.
• Held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

**Ethnicity:**

• Portuguese.

**Achievements, legacy, or something popular about him:**

• One of the leaders of the republican revolution that overthrew the Portuguese monarchy in 1910.
• Elected President of the Republic in 1911.
• Oversaw the establishment of the Portuguese Republic and the adoption of a new constitution.
• Played a role in Portugal’s entry into World War I on the side of the Allies.
• Remembered as one of the founders of the Portuguese Republic and a symbol of democracy and progress.

To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Poland, Philippines and Peru. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.

10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Portugal’s History

Portugal has had many presidents since the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. Throughout history, some presidents have become particularly popular, either for their political achievements, personal qualities, or their role during significant periods of change. Here are ten of the most popular presidents from Portugal:

• Aníbal Cavaco Silva: Cavaco Silva served as the President of Portugal from 2006 to 2016. Known for his economic reforms and commitment to fiscal responsibility, he led Portugal during a period of recovery following the global financial crisis.
• Mário Soares: Soares was the first civilian president of Portugal after the Carnation Revolution in 1974. His leadership was instrumental in consolidating democracy and modernizing the country. He served as president from 1986 to 1996.
• Jorge Sampaio: Sampaio served as the President of Portugal from 1996 to 2006. He focused on social issues, promoting human rights, and working for greater social inclusion. His tenure was marked by a commitment to social justice and progress.
• Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: Rebelo de Sousa has been the President of Portugal since 2016. He is widely admired for his approachable and friendly demeanor, connecting with the Portuguese people on a personal level. His popularity rose further during the COVID-19 pandemic due to his comforting presence.
• António de Spínola: Spínola was a crucial figure during the Carnation Revolution in 1974 and served as the President of Portugal from 1974 to 1976. He played a key role in transitioning Portugal from a military dictatorship to a democratic republic.
• Mário Alberto Nobre Lopes Soares: Mário Soares was a prominent statesman and politician in Portugal. He served as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the President of Portugal. He played a significant role in Portugal’s path to democracy and European integration.
• Aníbal António Cavaco Silva: Cavaco Silva was a professor and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1985 to 1995. He was later elected as the President of Portugal, serving from 2006 to 2016. He focused on economic reforms and promoting stability.
• Mário Alberto Nobre Lopes Soares: Mário Soares was in office from 1986 to 1996 and was instrumental in shaping modern Portugal. He actively supported European integration and initiated several economic and social reforms.
• Ramalho Eanes: General Ramalho Eanes became the President of Portugal in 1976, following the Carnation Revolution. He played a crucial role in stabilizing Portugal during its transition to democracy, laying the groundwork for subsequent presidents to build upon.
• Manuel de Arriaga: Manuel de Arriaga was the first President of Portugal, serving from 1911 to 1915. He was a key figure in the early years of the Portuguese Republic and actively participated in the development of the new political system.

These ten presidents have left an indelible mark on Portugal’s political history and have been widely regarded as popular figures among the Portuguese people. Their leadership, achievements, and commitment to democracy have contributed significantly to shaping modern Portugal.