The Portuguese parliament and public opinion: a case for reform?

Abstract

The image of the Portuguese parliament is a recurrent theme in public opinion and among politicians. However, there a few studies of this question and, in fact, little is known about what the Portuguese really think our parliament. This article will demonstrate precisely this, while at the same time giving an overview of the various changes which have taken place in our parliament. It is also in this context that this article points to the various areas of scientific research which should be further explored in order for us better to understand this issue, with particular reference to the concept of «legislative support» and the unfolding of the same in the survey indicators.