A new national survey conducted within the official programme marking the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese Revolution reveals a defining paradox at the heart of Portugal’s democracy: while public support for democratic rule remains overwhelming, confidence in how democracy functions today is significantly more fragile.
The study, developed with the participation of António Costa Pinto, contributes to a broader effort to assess how democratic memory, political trust, and civic engagement have evolved across generations in Portugal.
The findings point to a robust normative consensus. A large majority of respondents affirm democracy as the preferred political system, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the Carnation Revolution as a foundational moment in Portugal’s contemporary political identity. This continuity highlights the resilience of democratic values even in a context marked by global uncertainty and shifting political landscapes.
However, this strong symbolic attachment coexists with more critical perceptions regarding the present. Levels of satisfaction with the functioning of democracy are considerably lower, revealing a gap between democratic ideals and institutional performance. Concerns related to corruption, political accountability, and the rise of extremism emerge as central issues shaping public perception.
Equally significant is the indication of relatively low levels of civic and political participation. Despite widespread support for democracy, engagement in political processes and collective action remains limited, suggesting a form of democratic detachment that is increasingly observed in consolidated democracies.
Taken together, these results illustrate a classic tension: high democratic legitimacy combined with declining institutional trust. In the Portuguese case, this tension is particularly meaningful given the symbolic weight of the 1974 transition, which continues to shape expectations regarding governance, representation, and political responsibility. The survey also reinforces the importance of sustained collaboration between academic institutions in producing evidence-based reflections on democratic systems.