Socrates, José (1957– )

Portuguese Socialist Party politician, prime minister from 2005. A former environment minister 1999–2002, he was elected leader of the Socialist Party in September 2004, while in opposition, and led it to a landslide victory in the February 2005 general election. He became prime minister in March 2005 and pledged to kick-start Portugal's ailing economy, which had a high unemployment rate due in part to European Union (EU) subsidies and foreign investment were being diverted to eastern Europe. His government launched a drive to make government more efficient and a technological plan to modernize Portugal's economy, focusing on knowledge, technology (improving technical education), and innovation.

Born in the Vila Real district, the son of an architect, he trained and worked as a civil engineer. He was a founder of the youth wing of the Portuguese Social Democratic Party, but in 1981 changed his affiliation and became a member of the Portuguese Socialist Party. He was elected to parliament for the Socialist Party in 1987.