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Carlos Alberto da Mota PintoPortuguese scientist, lawyer and politician
Date of Birth: 25.07.1936
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic Career
- Political Career
- Prime Minister of Portugal
- Later Career and Death
Early Life and Education
Carlos Alberto da Mota Pinto was born on July 25, 1936, in Pombal, Portugal. He excelled academically, graduating from Lycée Nacional da Leiria in 1951 and Lycée João III in Coimbra in 1953.
In 1958, Mota Pinto earned his law degree from the University of Coimbra, where he taught civil law until 1961. He received a scholarship from Rotary International and completed his doctorate in 1970 with the thesis "Cessation of Contractual Relations."
Academic Career
Mota Pinto's academic career was marked by numerous accomplishments. He served as a research director and taught courses in general and civil law. From 1971, he led the Civil Law Department. In addition, he taught at the Droit Comparé Institute in Lisbon and Pescara, Italy.
His research focused on topics such as commercial law, contract law, and the relationship between employment contracts and general contract doctrine. He published extensively and received awards for his scholarship, including the Gulbenkian Prize in 1960.
Political Career
The Carnation Revolution of 1974 marked a turning point in Mota Pinto's career. He became involved in politics, co-founding the People's Democratic Party (later renamed the Social Democratic Party) in 1974.
Mota Pinto was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1975 but resigned from the party later that year due to disagreements. He remained active in academic and political circles, serving as Minister of Trade and Tourism in 1977.
Prime Minister of Portugal
In 1978, Mota Pinto became the Prime Minister of Portugal after the government's program failed to gain approval from the Assembly of the Republic. He formed a "cabinet of non-party technocrats" with the support of the Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Center.
Mota Pinto's government implemented austerity measures, including wage freezes and reduced domestic consumption. He faced criticism from the left and faced a deepening economic crisis. In June 1979, after facing a vote of no confidence, he was dismissed by President Ramalho Eanes.
Later Career and Death
After his premiership, Mota Pinto continued to be active in politics. He became a member of the State Council of Portugal in 1982 and served as Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Defense in 1983.
On May 7, 1985, Mota Pinto died unexpectedly of a heart attack in Coimbra. He was married to Maria Fernanda Cardoso Correia, and they had three sons. His legacy as a brilliant scholar, politician, and dedicated public servant continues to be remembered in Portugal.
