António de Oliveira Salazar

António de Oliveira Salazar was a Portuguese politician who served as the country's dictator from 1932 to 1968. As Prime Minister, he established an authoritarian regime known as the Estado Novo, which emphasized nationalism, conservatism, and economic stability. Salazar's government suppressed political opposition and censored the press, maintaining strict control over Portugal. His economic policies aimed for stability and growth, but also limited political freedoms. He remained a powerful figure until failing health led to his retirement. Salazar's rule significantly shaped Portugal's mid-20th-century history, leaving a legacy of both stability and repression.