Sustainable Governance Indicators, 2014 Portugal Report

Abstract

Portugal has been a consolidated democracy since the mid-1980s. Elections are free and fair, political rights are protected both de jure and de facto, there is media pluralism and freedom and the judicial system is independent. The legal basis and practical functioning of the democratic system are evident. However, while the formal aspects of Portugal’s democracy are not in question, there is substantial and growing public dissatisfaction with its performance. Portugal also falls short in terms of sustainable policy performance and of governance capacity.