Bit by bit the sweeping array of measures designed to ‘clean up’ the image of dirty business that characterised the ‘status quo’ in Portugal for so long is being implemented,
The justice ministry has announced today that it has finalised 17 of the 42 measures outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Agenda , with the remainder currently being implemented or under consideration.
In a review of the agenda approved nearly two years ago, the ministry said that beyond the completed measures, only three have yet to be initiated.
Among the most significant achievements of the past 21 months is the approval of the government’s Code of Conduct and the Risk Prevention Plan, which have both been approved – placing Portugal “among the first European countries to have instruments of this nature and scale”.
The ministry has also highlighted the approval of the so-called “Lobbying Law”, which has established the Transparency Register for the Representation of Interests, making it mandatory and public to identify anyone seeking to influence public decision-makers.
Additionally, the BASE Portal (for state suppliers) now provides aggregated information on simplified direct contract awards to ensure greater transparency and efficiency, while a new data analysis system using AI is currently under development.
As for the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism (MENAC), this has undergone a restructuring process, including the appointment of a new leadership and a revision of its organisational structure and governance model.
The ministry adds that, within the work of internal control bodies, particularly in local authorities, the staff of inspectors at the General Inspectorate of Finance and the General Inspectorate of Agriculture, the Sea and Spatial Planning have been strengthened, with inspectors dedicated to preventing corrupt practices.
The ministry, led by Rita Alarcão Júdice, also says that the Framework for Education in Ethics and Integrity has been completed and incorporated into the curriculum for all educational levels, ensuring that the subject of corruption and citizenship values will now be mandatory, across the board and as a compulsory part, in the core curriculum of Portuguese schools, appearing in the Citizenship and Development subject and in other areas.
The ministry’s statement adds that parliament has given its general approval to two key pieces of legislation: a bill establishing the extended forfeiture of assets derived from criminal activities – irrespective of a criminal conviction – and a bill reforming the Code of Criminal Procedure to provide new measures for preventing delays and dilatory tactics.
“A reform of criminal procedure is still underway, under the responsibility of a multidisciplinary working group, with the priority objectives of re-examining the preliminary investigation phase, improving the appeals system and reassessing the mechanisms for plea bargaining within the criminal process,” it continues.
The ministry describes the digital transformation of the legal system and the strengthening of technological tools as being ‘crucial for a swifter and more effective justice system’, and the electronic processing of the investigation phase – which has been in effect since December 2024 – as a key tool for the system’s responsiveness and a direct contributor to the fight against corruption.
In its review of the government’s first two years, the ministry highlights the strengthening of PJ Judicial Police capacity through the recruitment of new staff and investment in digital tools to support investigations – “thereby enhancing the justice system’s responsiveness, promoting robust, well-founded, and rigorous investigations”.
Rita Alarcão Júdice says in the same press release that the Anti-Corruption Agenda (approved in June 2024) represents an ambitious, concrete response – adding that progress this far demonstrates that it is possible to act with determination and effectiveness.
The agenda was approved following a comprehensive consultation process involving parliamentary parties, public entities, academia, and civil society.
Source: LUSA
