THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN PORTUGAL

Abstract

The crime of corruption is perpetrated all over the world with social and economic consequences that affect fundamental values of democracy, citizenship, trust and social equality. The growing importance of this matter at the global level has led to the emergence of a transnational legal regime directed at the prevention and repression of corruption. Portugal has also adopted many new legislative and administrative measures directed at that same aim. The Council for the Prevention of Corruption (CPC) has recommended that all entities managing public funds adopt a Plan for the Management of The Risk of Corruption and Connected Infractions (PGRCIC).
In light of the importance of the matter and the lack of academic literature on the recent measures directed at the prevention of corruption in Portugal, this article aims to view the prevention and repression of corruption from an inter-disciplinary perspective. The article begins with the theoretical framing of the phenomenon of corruption, as well as its situation in Portugal, followed by the presentation of the measures on the prevention of corruption proposed by academic literature and those implemented in Portugal. The article shall conclude with a reference to the CPC and the PGRCIC. It is especially important to evaluate the results of the legislative and administrative efforts put in place over the years, which means that this article is relevant for academics and professionals of the public sector, as well as legislators.