The announcement of André Freire's death has shocked us all. The CCS scientific community has lost a great colleague, collaborator, and, above all, a dear friend. Many have already commented on André's numerous academic contributions and accomplishments. He left a deep mark and legacy across diverse research areas, from the study of political elites and left-wing parties to the analysis of political ideologies, electoral, and political behavior in Europe and beyond. André was a member of the Comparative Candidate Survey (CCS) from its inception, serving as the Principal Investigator for all Portuguese CCS studies submitted to date (Portuguese elections 2009, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2022). He was an active member of the CCS Steering Committee, participating in Questionnaire Development Committees, always offering valuable insights at CCS meetings, and continually recruiting new CCS members, especially from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries.
This impressive legacy was coupled with unique personal qualities. André fostered strong relationships with many CCS members, particularly the Greek team. We were all honored to collaborate with him on edited volumes and joint articles. Beyond his academic excellence, André was a wonderful mentor, always ready to assist young researchers academically and personally. His energetic spirit, his drive to set ambitious research goals, and his commitment to complex comparative projects were a constant source of inspiration. André was one of the most passionate individuals we have ever known – dynamic, emotional, a brilliant mind with a youthful spirit.
Eftichia will always cherish their meetings at ISCTE or his home in Benfica, their travels together to international conferences for joint presentations and meetings, attending concerts, their time spent in Zambujeira do Mar in the Alentejo, and playing with his beloved cats. André encouraged and supported Eftichia to apply for a postdoctoral position at CIES during the height of the Greek economic crisis. Their conversations were always accompanied by good food and wine. While they occasionally disagreed, Eftichia was always impressed by his intellectual acuity and the vigor with which he defended his positions.
Evangelia had the privilege of meeting Professor Freire during her Erasmus studies in Lisbon, where he served as her supervisor. Under his guidance, Evangelia conducted her first comparative analysis of candidate MPs in Greece and Portugal, the subject of her master’s thesis. His mentorship shaped her academic journey and instilled in her a passion for comparative political studies. Over the years, their professional relationship grew through collaborations at conferences and in publications. Beyond his academic generosity, his kindness and support were most remarkable. Evangelia remembers how, as a young Erasmus student he had just met, he entrusted her with his personal library, generously lending books and sharing ideas that enriched her studies. His insights, encouragement, and warmth made her Erasmus experience unforgettable.
André consistently emphasized the impact of unjust economic policies on ordinary people and democratic institutions, both as a scholar and as a committed democrat. He not only taught about democratic principles but was an active and critical citizen who never hesitated to express his views publicly, participate in mobilizations, defend the underprivileged, and passionately speak out against the dangers of conservative ideas and practices in contemporary Western societies. It is our duty to keep the spirit of his work alive and continue with the same passion, dedication, and professionalism.
Adeus, Professor Freire. A sua memória será sempre uma inspiração, e a sua ausência será sentida profundamente por todos nós que tivemos o privilégio de o conhecer.
Ioannis Andreadis, Eftichia Teperoglou, Evangelia Kartsounidou