Public Integrity Index measures anti-corruption environment: Overall, Portugal ranks 2nd out of 25 countries on the Public Integrity Index, falling into the strong tier. Portugal scores in the very strong tier (90-100) in Categories 1 and 5, in the strong tier (80-90) for Categories 2, 4 and 6, and in the moderate tier (70-80) for Category 3.
1. Civil Society, Public Information and Media, Very strong, ranking 3rd
2. Electoral and Political Processes, Strong, ranking 3rd
3. Branches of Government, Moderate, ranking 5th
4. Administration and Civil Service, Strong, ranking 1st
5. Oversight and Regulatory Mechanisms, Very strong, ranking 5th
6. Anti-Corruption Mechanisms and Rule of Law, Strong, ranking 5th [...]
Since its transition to democracy in 1974, Portugal has often been considered an example of successful consolidation. Today, Portugal displays features of modern democracy that match those of most full-fledged democracies: regular and free elections, party pluralism, autonomy of civil society from the state, freedom of the media, freedom of association and assembly, and public access to government information. But Portugal lacks an active civil society and has not experienced a harmonious appropriation of democratic values across its territory and population. Although this does not necessarily constitute a threat to democracy, in the sense that the vast majority of citizens accept and identify themselves with democratic rule and values, it certainly affects the way they react to public issues, such as corruption.
