Portugal: Government Profile
Overview of the Country’s Political Framework and Structure - 2008
A monarchy until 1910, the Portuguese Republic has developed a parliamentary representative democracy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
Portugal traces its national origin to the Battle of Sao Mamede on June 24, 1128 when Afonso Henriques declared himself the country’s sole leader. The monarchy lasted until 1910, when it was deposed by a revolution and replaced by a republic.
Political System
The Portuguese Republic is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Lisbon. The Kingdom of Portugal was formally recognized in 1143. Following a revolution, the current republic was proclaimed on October 5, 1910. The national holiday is Portugal Day (Camoes Day) celebrated on June 10, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes died in 1580.
Portugal’s current constitution was adopted on April 2, 1976 and came into effect April 25. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
Administrative Regions
The Portuguese Republic consists of 18 districts (distritos) and two autonomous regions*:
- Aveiro
- Acores (Azores)*
- Beja
- Braga
- Braganca
- Castelo Branco
- Coimbra
- Evora
- Faro
- Guarda
- Leiria
- Lisboa (Lisbon)
- Madeira*
- Portalegre
- Porto
- Santarem
- Setubal
- Viana do Castelo
- Vila Real
- Viseu
Executive Branch
The President is Portugal’s chief of state. This person is elected by popular vote to a five year term, and is eligible for a second term. Anibal Cavaco Silva, the current President, was elected to the position on March 9, 2006.
The head of government is the Prime Minister. This person is appointed by the President from the majority party or coalition after parliamentary elections. Jose Socrates Carvalho Pinto de Sousa, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on March 12, 2005.
Members of the Council of Ministers are appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Ministers of State are Luis Amado and Teixeira dos Santos. The current ministers are:
- Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries - Jaime Silva
- Culture - Jose Antonio Pinto Ribeiro
- Economy and Innovation - Manuel Pinho
- Education - Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues
- Environment, Spatial Planning and Regional Development - Francisco Nunes Correia
- Finance - Teixeira dos Santos
- Foreign Affairs - Luis Amado
- Health - Ana Jorge
- Internal Administration - Rui Pereira
- Justice - Alberto Costa
- Labor and Social Solidarity - Jose Vieira da Sliva
- National Defense - Nuno Severiano Teixeira
- Parliament Affairs - Augusto Santos Silva
- Presidency - Pedro Silva Pereira
- Public Works, Transport and Communications - Mario Lino
- Science, Technology and Higher Education - Mariano Gago
- Secretary of State Assistant to the Prime Minister - Filipe Baptista
- Secretary of State Assistant and for Local Administration - Eduardo Cabrita
A Council of State also exists and acts as a consultative body to the President.
Legislative Branch
The Portuguese Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica) is a unicameral body consisting of 230 officials. Members are elected by popular vote to serve four year terms.
The current structure of the Assembly, by political party is (number of seats):
- Portugese Socialist Party (PS) - 121
- Social Democratic Party (PSD) - 75
- Unitarian Democratic Coalition (CDU) - 14
- Popular Party (PP) - 12
- The Left Bloc (BE) - 8
Judicial Branch
The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal de Justica). Judges are appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura.
Legal System
Portugal’s legal system is based upon civil law. The Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of all legislation. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.
References
Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.
Portal de Governo - Government of Portugal Official Website.
