Maria de Belém Roseira

Lawyer and Jurist

Graduated in Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra in 1972, Lawyer and Jurist, Maria de Belém Roseira pursued a professional career in Social Affairs from an early age.

Held countless positions, for over three decades, the last of which has been devoted to political activity, such as Minister of Health, Minister for Equality and Member of Parliament in several Legislatures. During the latter, was President of the Parliamentary Health Commission, having developed an intense drive that happened to be proponent of several important initiatives marking the progress of the Country, like the Law of Parity and the Law of the Medically Assisted Procreation.

In addition, was also Chairman of the Inquiry Committee on the situation that led to the nationalisation of Banco Português de Negócios (BPN) and on the inherent banking supervision; President of the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organisation; and President of the Socialist Party.

She also develops an intense action in the field of volunteering and governing bodies of several non-profit institutions of the Social Economy area, and is a member of several national and international juries.

Joined the General Council of the University of Coimbra and is a member of the Assembly of Representatives of several Colleges.

She has been a lecturer both at home and abroad, a collaborating professor with university institutions, a preface writer and co-author of several publications and author of multiple opinion articles in the written press.

In addition to a number of awards and distinctions, she was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ by the President of the Republic in recognition of her career.