The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and to the people of the United Kingdom.

Following is the text of the message of condolences sent by President Cavaco Silva:

“Upon hearing the news of the passing away of Margaret Thatcher, the President of the Republic expresses his deepest regrets to the bereaved Family and to the people of the United Kingdom.

A woman of principles and convictions, Baroness Thatcher enjoyed a notable political career, where she asserted her strong leadership in the light of the values she believed in and based on great determination and personal intrepidity.

Whilst Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, a duty that she markedly exercised during more than a decade of deep changes in Europe and around the world, Margaret Thatcher also took part in several decisions of the Council of Europe favouring Portugal’s development, and contributed uniquely towards the defence of democracy and the cause of freedom.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”