Antônio de Oliveira Salazar was a Portuguese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. He was the architect of the Estado Novo, an authoritarian regime that emphasized nationalism, conservatism, and economic stability. Salazar's government was characterized by censorship, political repression, and a focus on maintaining Portugal's colonial empire. Salazar was born on April 28, 1889, in Santa Comba Dão, Portugal. He studied economics and became a professor before entering politics. His leadership style was marked by a strong belief in central control and a reluctance to engage in international conflicts, which shaped Portugal's foreign policy during his tenure.