Latest news and stories about democracy in daily life in Portugal for expats and residents.
Ricardo Arroja argues that the current democratic impasse must be resolved through institutional regeneration rather than mass revolt.
João Miguel Tavares analyzes the recent political tensions surrounding the Constitutional Court in Portugal, arguing that the shift toward a three-party system does not undermine democratic principles and criticizing the partisan approach to judicial appointments.
CNN Portugal commentator Luís Rosa argues that former Prime Minister José Sócrates' attempts to stall his trial undermine public trust in democracy, while Minister Leitão Amaro emphasizes the need to protect media independence from political interference.
Under the idea that “democracy was not born finished”, young people from all over the country were invited to present problems and solutions for their communities. “Practicing Democracy” stimulated dialogue between students and policymakers, resulting in the implementation of some proposals.
António Sousa Homem criticises the democratic environment of Moledo, labelling it as one of the least democratic locations in the country.
Participatory budgeting was born from “values of justice and social redistribution”, but institutionalisation has somewhat transformed “party interest in these democratic innovations”.
In 2026, Cascais will take on the role of European Capital of Democracy, encouraging citizen involvement in public life.
Presidential candidate António José Seguro warned today that the 'enemies of democracy' promise a new world, but if they win the elections they will bring an 'old world' that would not come about through a military coup, but by destroying institutions from within.
Gouveia e Melo says the deterioration of healthcare and public services is the fault of political parties that, over recent decades, handed the State over to their clientelist networks. At a dinner in Fafe, the birthplace of Marques Mendes, the admiral spoke forcefully and warned of a 'swamp' that could undermine democracy.
Beyond the headlines. Maduro handcuffed on a plane. Anti-squatter teams hired to carry out evictions. Trump pardoned 1,500 attackers. Brazil convicted 371 people. All of these images say the same thing: the law of the strongest is back. And in Portugal, nobody seems to realise.
The candidate backed by the PS said opponents are attacking one another — and have even dragged him into it — instead of focusing on the country's problems.
Lídia Albornoz, representative of the organisation Com Venezuela, says “we must remain calm” and wait for “freedom with peace” to happen.
