A new study analyzed the Portuguese ministerial elite throughout the entire democratic period and concluded that independent ministers tend to remain in office longer than partisan ministers. This finding challenges the common perception that independents are more vulnerable to dismissal.
The study analyzed the recruitment model of ministers in both the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD). The researchers found that this model may widen the gap between those inside and outside the political system.
The researchers warn that this dynamic may fuel waves of populist contestation, as it creates a clear distinction between those "inside" and "outside" the system. This separation may contribute to a sense of exclusion among citizens who do not belong to traditional party structures.
The study covered the entire Portuguese democratic period, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of ministerial recruitment patterns and their implications for the quality of democracy in the country.
