The International Congress ‘Mário Soares: Uma Vida entre Séculos’, commemorating the centenary of Mário Soares, will be held at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra on 9th and 10th October.
Registration is free and should be submitted via email to centenario.mariosoares@iscte-iul.pt or through the online registration form.
Mário Soares (1924–2017), one of the most prominent and multifaceted figures in contemporary Portuguese history, played a decisive role in key events across different periods – both through the struggles he undertook as an engaged citizen and in the various public offices he held. His life and work can thus be studied from many perspectives, engaging diverse academic disciplines, analysing a wide range of sources, and employing interdisciplinary methodologies.
A staunch opponent of the dictatorship, Soares was imprisoned, deported, and forced into political exile. He co-founded the Socialist Party in 1973 and, following the 25th of April 1974 revolution, went on to serve as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Member of Parliament, Prime Minister in three governments, and President of the Republic (1986–1996). Mário Soares reflected on, debated, and intervened in a broad array of issues – including decolonisation, the European project, Portugal’s place in the world, the rule of law, the welfare state, education, science and culture, and the environment, among others. He was involved in several national and international organisations, leading some of them. Less well known are his years at the University of Lisbon as a student during the 1940s and 1950s (in the Faculties of Arts and later Law), his work as a lawyer defending political prisoners, and his academic activity while in exile in France, teaching at various universities.
The centenary of Mário Soares’ birth offers a valuable opportunity to bring together the academic community to analyse, debate, and reflect on his intellectual and political legacy.