The majority of Portuguese citizens endorse a system of decentralized governance

In the heart of Europe, Portugal's local politics have been under the spotlight, with a recent Eurobarometer survey shedding light on citizens' perceptions and engagement. Commissioned by the European Commission, the survey was conducted during local elections in Portugal, gathering insights from a diverse range of participants.

The study universe for the report included residents of continental Portugal, aged 18 or older, Portuguese language speakers, with access to a fixed or mobile phone network or internet access. A total of 1,070 complete and validated interviews were conducted, ensuring a 3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

One of the key findings was the widespread openness among citizens in Portugal for decentralization, particularly at the regional level. Around 62% of respondents believe investments and public services should be adapted to the specific needs of each region and decided at that level.

When it comes to identifying the name and party of their municipality's chamber president, around 60% of respondents were successful. However, many citizens view local authorities as entities that manage, rather than as arenas for political debate and decision-making or for building democratic participation.

Perception of local power was found to be better in non-urban municipalities compared to urban municipalities. Citizens residing in non-urban contexts show slightly higher levels of satisfaction with local government, while residents in urban municipalities tend to feel more excluded from local government decisions.

The report also indicates a greater democratic resilience at the local level compared to national and European politics. Only 22% of respondents strongly disagreed that local politicians are not interested in what they think.

Regarding access to information about local government, citizens in urban areas tend to prefer digital channels, while in other areas, local media plays a more relevant role.

The survey also highlighted the importance of providing quality public services at the lowest possible cost, with more than half (51%) of respondents identifying this as the main mission of local power.

In urban municipalities, the Assembly of the Republic, the judicial system, and the national government are the most trusted institutions, with local government practically tied. In non-urban territories, local government is the most trusted institution.

Interestingly, respondents consider that local power should be more influential in the areas of health and housing (80%) and security in urban municipalities (80%). This suggests a need for increased local involvement in these critical areas.

Despite the challenges, the report suggests that better municipal action and daily experience with municipal services may contribute to a better image of local power in non-urban municipalities. Moreover, there is a need for improved understanding of the competencies of regional and supra-municipal institutions, as there is a widespread ignorance about these entities.

In conclusion, the Eurobarometer survey provides valuable insights into Portugal's local politics, painting a picture of a population open to decentralization, with a desire for improved services and increased trust in local institutions, particularly in non-urban areas. As local politics continue to evolve, these findings offer a starting point for further discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic participation and improving the quality of life for all Portuguese citizens.