Description:
This volume provides a meticulously researched analysis of Portugal in 2023, a year of profound political and social upheaval. Moving beyond superficial accounts, it offers an in-depth examination of the complex interplay of forces that shaped the nation, exposing vulnerabilities within its democratic institutions and societal structures.
The narrative dissects key events - the TAP Air Portugal scandal, the controversial More Housing Programme, the 'Galambagate' affair and Operation Influencer - framing them not as isolated incidents but as interconnected manifestations of systemic dysfunction. The work investigates the erosion of public trust and the rise of populist sentiment, alongside the strains placed on economic and social welfare systems.
The book analyses the interplay between governance, accountability and citizen engagement, exploring the implications of these developments for Portugal's future trajectory. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of contemporary Portuguese politics and raises broader questions about the fragility of democratic institutions in an increasingly turbulent global environment. This text is essential reading for scholars of Iberian Studies, political science, and European social history, and those interested in the complexities of state and citizen relations.