Democratic integrity concerns rise in Portugal and Brazil

In Portugal, calls are growing for civil society to demand electoral reforms to address democratic decline. Proponents argue for the implementation of uninominal circles for the Assembly of the Republic, a possibility established during the 1997 Constitutional Revision following an agreement between António Guterres and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Such a system would allow citizens to elect deputies directly, potentially increasing accountability and closer ties between representatives and their constituents regarding economic growth and infrastructure.

In Brazil, discussions regarding the importance of upcoming elections highlight concerns over institutional regression. Observers note a pattern of weakening social protections, environmental controls, and judicial oversight. Specific issues cited include budget and personnel reductions at Ibama, ICMBio, and Funai, which have impacted Amazon deforestation control, as well as changes to labor inspection rules and the weakening of anti-corruption mechanisms.