Regenerator Party. Minister On 14 January 1890, he was called before the councils of the Crown, and given the Finance portfolio, during the government presided by António de Serpa Pimentel, which had replaced the Progressive cabinet of José Luciano de Castro. At the end of eight months, on 12 October 1890, Pimental's government fell, resulting in his publication of a celebrated report on the state of the nation's finances, that resulted in vivid discussions. In 1891, following the fall of the Progressive ministry, a cabinet presided by general João Crisóstomo de Abreu e Sousa and the Regenerators, once again, took office. At that time Franco was given the responsibility for Public Works (which he occupied from 21 May 1891 to 14 January 1892). It was from this period that many institutional, industrial and agricultural reforms were implemented under his watch, including various measures were promulgated to develop industry and the economy. Among these laws, was the presentation of a bill to create new industries, which was never adopted (due to the government falling) but were promulgated in 1892 by decree. Inclined towards protectionism, Franco aligned himself with other protectionists in 1892, collaborating with them and Finance Minister Oliveira Martins, during his role as president of the Finance committee. It was during his oversight that Beira Baixa rail-line was inaugurated, visited by King Carlos and Queen Amélia in their first public event as monarchs, in the provinces of the north. Since July 1891, until 16 November, Franco also occupied the post of Minister of Public Instruction and Fine Arts (). Between February 1893 and 1897 he managed the Kingdom's portfolio. At that time he reformed secondary school education, the administrative code (1896), electoral law, limiting the number of public service workers in the municipal councils, regulating pollution on the sea, laws against anarchists and the reduction of municipal districts and comaracas. These and other measures, as well as acts of force, such as the suppression of the Associações Comercial (Commercial Associations) and Associações dos Lojistas de Lisboa (Lisbon Tenants Association), as well as the order to expel the republican warlord Salmeron, provoked heated discussions and captivated the attentions of the country. Franco did not waver, and through them doubled his efforts to end class anarchy, which he believed were against public order. In July 1900, during the new Regenerator government Franco did not obtain a ministry; at that time the political