Introduction

José Manuel Barroso is a well-known political figure in Portugal, having served as the Prime Minister of the country between 2002 and 2004. He later rose to prominence on the international stage as the President of the European Commission from 2004 to 2014. Over the years, there have been many speculations about his net worth, with various estimates floating around. In this blog post, we are going to uncover the true Barroso net worth and reveal some surprising figures that might shock you.

Early Life and Career

José Manuel Barroso was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1956. He became interested in politics at an early age and joined the Social Democratic Party (PSD) when he was just 18 years old. He rose through the ranks of the party and was eventually elected as the leader of the PSD in 1999. He served as the Prime Minister of Portugal between 2002 and 2004, before leaving to take up the position of President of the European Commission.

Barroso’s Salary as President of the European Commission

As the President of the European Commission, Barroso earned a salary of €305,339 per year. This was one of the highest salaries in the European Union and was subject to a number of taxes and deductions. In addition to his salary, Barroso was also entitled to a number of benefits, such as a daily subsistence allowance of €304, as well as reimbursement of travel expenses and medical expenses.

Barroso’s Assets and Investments

Barroso has a number of assets and investments that contribute to his net worth. He owns a property in Lisbon, Portugal, which is valued at approximately €1.4 million. He also has shares in several companies, including Goldman Sachs and BP. The exact value of these shares is not publicly known, but they are believed to be worth several million euros.

Barroso’s Awards and Recognitions

Over the course of his career, Barroso has been awarded several honorary degrees and awards. In 2005, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty by the President of Portugal in recognition of his services to the country. He has also received honorary degrees from a number of universities, including Harvard University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Warwick.

Barroso’s Charitable Works

Barroso is involved in a number of charitable causes and organizations. He is a member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, and he has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and he also serves as the Chairman of the International Advisory Council of Eurazeo, a French investment company.

Barroso’s Net Worth

Based on the available information about Barroso’s assets, investments, and earnings, his net worth is estimated to be around €3 million. This figure is based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and as such, it should be taken as an approximation rather than an exact figure.

Surprising Facts About Barroso’s Wealth

Despite his relatively modest net worth, there are several surprising facts about Barroso’s wealth that are worth noting. For example, he is reported to have received a signing bonus of €400,000 when he joined Goldman Sachs in 2016. In addition, he was paid €240,000 per year for his role as non-executive chairman of the bank’s international division.

Conclusion

José Manuel Barroso is a well-respected political figure who has had a distinguished career on both the local and international stages. While his net worth might not be as high as some might have suspected, it is still a substantial sum of money that reflects his achievements and contributions to society.

FAQs

Q1: Is José Manuel Barroso still active in politics?
A: No, Barroso retired from politics in 2014 after completing his tenure as President of the European Commission.

Q2: What was Barroso’s salary as Prime Minister of Portugal?
A: Barroso’s exact salary as Prime Minister of Portugal is not publicly known, but it was believed to be around €104,000 per year.

Q3: What is the main source of Barroso’s wealth?
A: Barroso’s main source of wealth is believed to be his stocks in various companies, including Goldman Sachs and BP.

Q4: How much did Barroso earn from his role at Goldman Sachs?
A: Barroso earned €240,000 per year for his role as non-executive chairman of the bank’s international division.

Q5: Is Barroso involved in any charities or philanthropic organizations?
A: Yes, Barroso is involved in a number of charitable causes and organizations, including the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum and the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.