Nuno Morais Sarmento (1961-2026)

It was with great sadness that I received the news of the death of Nuno Morais Sarmento. Over the decades we have developed an enormous friendship and political complicity.

Our friendship began at the Faculty of Law and extended far beyond that. He was Minister of the Presidency in the government I led, he was vice-President of the PSD throughout my leadership, positions he held as only he knew how: with intelligence and courage.

In recent years, Nuno Morais Sarmento faced a very serious illness that has put his endurance to the test. He managed, with courage, to cross the many obstacles that came his way, until today.

In 2024, he accepted the challenge of presiding over the Luso-American Development Foundation, because despite his physical weakness he wanted to continue to make his contribution to society. In January, he considered that he did not have the physical and health conditions to continue. It was with honor that I accepted to succeed him as president of FLAD.

I lost a great friend today. Portugal loses someone who will be greatly missed by public and civic life.

José Manuel Durão Barroso