Portugal is less democratic than a decade ago. Report warns of the risk of autocratization

Original text from the newspaper ECO

In an article published on 20 August 2026, the newspaper ECO highlighted the findings on Portugal in V-Dem’s Democracy Report 2026. Despite remaining classified as a liberal democracy and ranking 26th in the Liberal Democracy Index, the country has experienced a deterioration in democratic quality over the past decade and has been added to the watchlist of countries at risk of autocratization.

The article discusses the analysis by Tiago Fernandes (Iscte) and Sara Pina (Lusófona University), who identify an increase in pro-autocratic mobilization since 2020 and a decline in the quality of democratic deliberation. One concerning sign is the diminishing value political elites place on opposing arguments amid growing polarization.

The researchers nevertheless stress the resilience of Portugal’s democratic institutions and the role of civil society in resisting potential processes of autocratization. The diversity of citizens’ movements remains an important resource for defending democracy, although weaknesses persist in its participatory and egalitarian dimensions.

Read the full article in ECO.