| Description | Center-right party launched as the Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) shortly after the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974. Party changed its name to the Partido Social Democrata on October 3, 1976 but kept the PPD acronym, as in Partido Social Democrata (PPD/PSD). Party achieved legislative dominance on October 5, 1985, and again after a censure motion forced PM Mário Soares to dissolve the Assembly on July 19, 1987. Party saw many of its leaders become Prime Ministers: Cavaco Silva (1985-1995), José Manuel Barroso (2002-2004) and Pedro Passos Coelho (2011-2015). Party had been led since January 12, 2018 by the ex Mayor of Porto from 2002 to 2013, Rui Rio. Rio announced his resignation upon the party's poor performance after assembly elections held on January 30, 2022. |
