2001/01/01 by Luís de Sousa · 32 citations
Social Sciences · #Corruption and Economic Development #Political Theory and Influence #Social Policy and Reform Studies #Politics #Transparency (behavior) #Delegation #Democracy #Language change #Consolidation (business) #Political economy #Political science #Political corruption #Representation (politics) #Law #Sociology #Economics #Accounting
paper · doi:10.1080/01402380108425422
published in West European Politics 24(1), 157-180 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 2001/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Portugal is often considered an example of successful democratic consolidation. Yet it has not been exempt from corruption scandals. By the mid‐1990s, transparency and the moralisation of political life had come to dominate parliamentary debates and reforms. The illegality surrounding party life must be seen against the background of dominant ethical standards in society. Voters appear tolerant of the unethical behaviour of political leaders, while parties are gradually becoming less responsive to their electorate. Representation and delegation rely more on tacit consent than on voice, thus encouraging complacency over corruption.