Decentralization and Local Politics

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter explores the most recent developments in Portuguese local politics. The role of local governments, their evolution and reform trends in Europe will set the comparative background for this chapter and will provide the analytical tools needed to understand different perspectives and the debates regarding decentralization, municipal autonomy and multilevel governance in Portugal. The pace and alternative paths of reforms in most countries have underlined the relevance of reorganizing local jurisdictions, mainly given the growing complexity of their governance arrangements and their fragmentation. By briefly explaining the main European challenges, especially the territorial and functional reforms of the last decades, while putting into perspective these key debates in Portugal, it will be possible to identify the main questions under debate. By trying to establish a future research agenda, this chapter is also aiming to keep these debates alive.