On this page

1. Definitions and concepts

2. Institutions of representative democracy

Definitions and concepts

The approach to youth participation in Portugal considers the current trends experienced throughout Europe and at national level, young people’s lack of interest in the conventional forms of participation, with low voting rates and political party membership, and a disbelief in political institutions. Paradoxically, young people are not apathetic, unconventionally participating in various causes and using different means: they do volunteering work and are involved in civic organisations, participate in protests, integrate sports and religious groups, and use social media as a preferred venue for participation. In this context, youth participation must be seen in a comprehensive manner, covering multiple forms of participation where young people are important stakeholders that must be considered in policy-making processes.

The “Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life” from the Council of Europe (2003) is a reference in the context of national youth policies. It considers the idea that “participation in the democratic life of any community is about more than voting or standing for election, although these are important elements.

Participation and active citizenship are about having the right, the means, the space and the opportunity and, where necessary, the support to participate in and influence decisions and engaging in actions and activities to contribute to building a better society”.

Thus, the promotion of youth participation considers the direct and indirect ways to do so and, above all, provides young people with the means, spaces, opportunities and support to exercise their rights and to be actors of democracy, thus strengthening it.

Institutions of representative democracy

The Portuguese State is a semi-presidential constitutional republic. In Portugal, there are four sovereign bodies: the President of the Republic, National Parliament, the   Government, and the Courts.

The archipelagos of Madeira and Azores have their own administrative system: the Regional Government of Azores and the Regional Government of Madeira. The assemblies and regional governments have broader powers to define policies for each region, except on foreign policy, national defence and internal security.

The national regulatory framework includes civil parishes and city councils in the local authority concept. Moreover, municipalities' associations and intercity communities are also  included in the local authority realm.

In local elections, citizens elect the parish assembly, subsequently resulting in the parish  council, the municipal assembly, and the city council.

In Portugal, voting is a right and a civic duty, and therefore not mandatory. It is confidential and exercised in person. Voter registration is mandatory and citizens are automatically registered when they turn 18.