PROFILE: 'The Professor': Cavaco Silva is colourless but pragmatic

Jan 24, 2011, 10:28 GMT

Lisbon - Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, 71, who won a second term in Sunday's presidential elections, is known as 'the professor.'

The nickname reflects the somewhat distant and matter-of-fact style of the former economics professor, who makes up for his lack of charisma with his economic expertise, knowledge of figures and relentless work ethic.

Cavaco Silva was born into the modest family of a farmer - later petrol station manager - in the southern region of Algarve.

He ran hurdles in his youth, as if to prepare for an academic and political career in which would overcome one obstacle after another.

He rose to become one of Portugal's best known economists and served as finance minister from 1980-81.

As prime minister from 1985-95, Cavaco Silva presided over an economic boom, political stability and Portugal's entry into the European Union. At that time, 'he used to work until 2 or 3 am,' his advisor Teofilo Carapeto Dias said.

Critics, however, say that Cavaco's good record was partly due to EU subsidies and stress that he faced widespread social protests toward the end of his term.

The father of two and grandfather of five has been criticized for his allegedly arrogant and authoritarian style.

'I never made mistakes,' Cavaco Silva once said, 'and I seldom have doubts.'