PORTUGAL

Portugal's democratic institutions are generally well-developed, but lack public trust in some cases.

Elections are fair, and the media independence protected. Much government information is online.

Legal protection of civil rights is very strong, but police officers and prison guards are accused of disproportionate use of force.

The government has taken a number of steps combating racism. The judiciary is independent, but lacks public trust, as do local government bodies.

With rigid labor policies supported by unions, and unchallenged by the government, Portugal's unemployment rates have remained high.

The country's economy is still in transition from relatively low-tech production to more advanced industries. A few large companies dominate important markets.

Improvements in tax administration have improved the system's equity. Taxes have been raised to address unsustainably high deficits.

With generous unemployment and social welfare measures, Portugal effectively prevents poverty, but social disparities remain high.

The country's tax-funded universal health care system offers reasonably good quality of care.

Women have little support in combining parenting and employment.

Recent pension reforms have improved the system's fiscal position, but demographic challenges remain.

Portugal's external security policy is dominated by membership in EU and NATO, and a close relationship with the United States.

The domestic security forces are in the midst of restructuring, but remain underfunded. However, crime rates are relatively low.

Integration policy is well developed but evolving, aided by the many Brazilian immigrants with a similar linguistic and cultural identity.

Environmental policy in Portugal has largely been focused on implementing EU directives. A 2005 law established a critical framework for water use.

R&D spending is low, reflecting the relatively low-tech character of the country's economy.

Portugal has a very low proportion of citizens with higher education degrees. Recent reforms have strengthened public secondary schools, but more modernization is needed.

Strategic planning in theory plays a significant role in Portuguese politics, with mandated long-range plans in place.

The most recent government has added significant new plans to the mix, though some programs have been promptly abandoned.

RIAs are not required by law, but sometimes applied by request.

Government negotiations with outside interest groups have recently led to acrimonious confrontation.

The government during this review period was successful in implementing its agenda, although reforms in the housing rental market did not fulfill expectations.

The president and Constitutional Court each wield potent veto power.

Municipalities often complain about a lack of financial resources to fulfill their tasks.

Though a small country, Portugal participates in a wide variety of intergovernmental organizations.

The country has played a pioneering European role in the realm of e-government.

There is no specific body explicitly tasked with executing a monitoring or reform function.

EU membership has forced a number of institutions to adapt to new circumstances.

Portuguese citizens self-report low knowledge of government policies and feelings of political inefficacy. In fact, citizens are better informed than their counterparts in some older EU democracies.

The legislature has good oversight powers, but is sometimes blocked by the government.

Interest groups are very influential, though proposals tend to serve as unrealistic bargaining chips.