Portugal launches national anti-corruption education initiative in schools

The Portuguese government, through the Ministries of Education and Justice and the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism (MENAC), has launched the ‘Days of Integrity and Anti-Corruption’ initiative. This three-day program aims to reach approximately 40,000 students across more than 250 public and private schools to promote reflection on fundamental values, ethics, and the prevention of corruption.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is participating in the initiative by returning to his former school, Escola Básica e Secundária Dr. Manuel Laranjeira in Espinho, to lead a session for students. The program features over 200 volunteer speakers, including government officials, magistrates, and legal experts, such as the Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcão Júdice, and the President of MENAC, José Mouraz Lopes.

The initiative follows a successful model previously used for financial literacy education. To support the sessions, MENAC will provide online pedagogical materials to assist teachers and schools in addressing these topics across different educational levels.