Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa named 2025 Personality of the Year

Former Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has been named ‘Personality of the Year 2025’ by the Association of the Foreign Press in Portugal (AIEP). The award was presented during a ceremony at the Grémio Literário in Lisbon.

AIEP President Vicente Nunes cited the former head of state’s proximity to the people and his defense of causes such as the rule of law, press freedom, and the rights of immigrants. During his acceptance speech, Rebelo de Sousa focused on his long-standing relationship with the media, noting his involvement in political commentary since 1965, rather than addressing current national or international political issues.