Political parties and corruption in Portugal

Portugal is often considered an example of successful democratic consolidat ion. Yet it has not been exempt from corruption scandals. By the mid-1990s, transparency and the moralisation of political life had come to dominate p arliamentary debates and reforms. The illegality surrounding party life mus t be seen against the background of dominant ethical standards in society! Voters appear tolerant of the unethical behaviour of political leaders, whi le parties are gradually becoming less responsive to their electorate. Repr esentation and delegation rely mor-e on tacit consent than on voice, thus e ncouraging complacency over corruption.