Portugal public administration and governance reforms

The Portuguese government is pursuing a series of administrative reforms focused on simplification and digital integration. In late 2026, Minister Gonçalo Matias defended the administration against claims of insufficient reform, noting that six codes affecting citizens and companies had been amended over a 15 month period. A central component of these efforts is the interoperability law, which aims to reduce bureaucracy by preventing the redundant submission of documents already held by public entities. This measure is estimated to eliminate approximately three million document requests annually.

Further developments include updates to the Public Contracts Code and the Administrative Procedure Code. These initiatives seek to integrate procurement platforms with a Digital Business Wallet to implement a ‘once only’ principle for suppliers.

Parallel to these digital efforts, the government is discussing a new Local Power Code intended to systematize legal diplomas. However, this reform has faced criticism regarding municipal autonomy, with concerns that it may increase the dependence of local authorities on central administration. This follows recent changes to the governance of Regional Coordination and Development Commissions, where the Council of Ministers now appoints the majority of executive board members.