Portugal flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Portugal

Portugal maintains a stable democratic system with a semi-presidential structure. The country continues to focus on economic recovery, digital transformation, and progressive social policies while maintaining strong European Union engagement.

Political Stability

Good

Corruption Index

Moderate

Democracy Index

Good

Government Type

Semi-Presidential Representative Democratic Republic

Legal System

Civil law system based on Portuguese and European law

Head of State

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa(since 2016)

Head of Government

Prime Minister António Costa(Socialist Party)since 2015

Political Indicators

Political Stability
0.75Rank #42

Scale: 0-1

Moderately Stable

World Bank Political Stability Index (2024)

Corruption Perception
64Rank #32

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
83.5Rank #24

Scale: 0-100

Free

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index
8.31Rank #18

Scale: 0-10

Full Democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Lower House:Assembly of the Republic (230 seats)

Major Political Parties

Socialist Party(PS)

Center-left

108 seats
Social Democratic Party(PSD)

Center-right

71 seats
Chega(CH)

Right-wing

12 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens can vote in national and local elections. EU citizens can vote in local and European Parliament elections.

Recent Developments

  • Continued implementation of digital government transformation
  • Increased focus on renewable energy and climate action
  • Economic recovery and stabilization post-pandemic
  • Ongoing reforms in healthcare and education sectors
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal and direct
Constitution1976
Municipalities and autonomous regions308