Mário Soares

Mário Alberto Nobre Lopes Soares (born December 7, 1924), Portuguese politician, was born in Lisbon, and graduated in history, philosophy and law from the University of Lisbon. He became a university lecturer in 1957, but his activities in opposition to the dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar led to repeated arrests. He was active in resistance groups such as the Movement for Anti-Fascist National Unity and the Movement for Democratic Unity.

Post presidency

Soares retired in 1996, but in 1999 he headed the Socialist ticket in elections to the European Parliament, where he served until the 2004 elections. He ran for President of the Parliament, but lost to Nicole Fontaine.

Related Topics:
1996 - 1999 - European Parliament - 2004 elections - Nicole Fontaine

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In 1998 he headed the Independent World Commission on the Oceans.

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He is currently president of the Fundação Mário Soares (Mário Soares Foundation).

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He is the recipient of a number of human rights awards and honorary degrees from many universities.

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On 30 August 2005, he announced his candidacy to run for President in January 2006, when he will be 81 years old. Current polls do not favour him.

Related Topics:
30 August - 2005 - Run for President - 2006

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