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Francisco Craveiro LopesPortuguese military officer and politician
Date of Birth: 12.04.1894
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Governor of Portuguese India
- Return to Portugal and World War II
- Post-War Political Career
- Presidency and Opposition
- Military Coup and Death
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Lisbon in 1894, Francisco Craveiro Lopes was the son of a military officer who served in World War I. Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the army in 1911 and fought in the Portuguese East Africa campaign against the Germans. After graduating from military academy, he joined the air force in 1918 and rose to the rank of captain by 1922.
Governor of Portuguese India
In 1929, Craveiro Lopes was appointed to a post in Goa, where his father was governor at the time. He later served as acting governor of Portuguese India for several months in 1933-1934 and 1936. His administrative experience in the colony shaped his future political views.
Return to Portugal and World War II
Upon returning to Portugal in 1939, Craveiro Lopes took command of the Tancushe airbase. He was promoted to colonel in 1941 and played a key role in negotiations with the British for the use of Portuguese airfields in the Azores during World War II.
Post-War Political Career
After the war, Craveiro Lopes served in the National Assembly and commanded the airbase in Terceira. In 1951, he was elected President of Portugal by the ruling party, after the death of the previous president.
Presidency and Opposition
As president, Craveiro Lopes was largely a ceremonial figure, with limited political authority. His relationship with Prime Minister Salazar was initially formal, but later became strained. Despite his desire to run for a second term, he was replaced as the ruling party's candidate in 1958.
Military Coup and Death
After leaving the presidency, Craveiro Lopes became a vocal opponent of Salazar's regime. He participated in the unsuccessful military coup in 1961 and criticized Portugal's colonial policies. He died of a heart attack at his home in 1964.
