Portugal

National elections are largely free and fair. Robust campaign finance regulations, equitable media representation, and the absence of a specific threshold for entering Parliament contribute to highly competitive elections, in which a variety of political parties can gain power. Portugal’s electoral oversight bodies are impartial and perform their duties efficiently, despite experiencing some financial and staffing challenges in recent years.

Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and members of the general public are generally free to openly criticize the government. Concerns over recent media ownership concentration notwithstanding, Portugal has a large number and variety of independent outlets, and authorities largely refrain from interfering with the work of civil society organizations or obstructing peaceful demonstrations.

Institutions are independent and largely serve as effective checks on the government. The courts have made progress in addressing corruption, despite shortcomings in Portugal’s implementation of its national anti-corruption strategy. However, the courts’ handling of defamation and slander cases has been frequently challenged as inconsistent with freedom of expression as outlined by the European Convention on Human Rights. Independent oversight mechanisms are also robust.