Historical figure of the opposition to the Portuguese dictatorships of Salazar and Caetano, founder of the Portuguese Socialist Party, Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Portugal, Mario Soares can be regarded as one of the principal craftsmen of the adhesion of Portugal at the 5 European Economic Community in 1985. Supporter of various movements of opposition from 1943 and legal defender of many political prisoners, Soares was imprisoned during nearly three years for offence to the opinion. In 1970 he decides to be exiled and leaves for France. After being sent to the European capitals to obtain the recognition of the new Portuguese democratic mode, Mario Soares occupies the post of Foreign Minister from 1974 to 1975, starting successfully the process of decolonisation of the Portuguese colonies. He is present in all legislative Assembly until his election at the presidency of the Republic in 1986. At the end of his presidential mandate in 1996 he holds the presidency of the International European Movement (1997-99) and the presidency of the Committee of Wise for the Council of Europe (1997-98). In 1999 he is elected member of the European Parliament on the list of the Portuguese Socialist Party.