In recent years, Portugal has been rocked by a series of corruption scandals involving high-profile political and business figures. Despite the bombshell headlines, the country appears to live under a culture of silence surrounding these crimes, resulting in minimal structural changes and a persistent sense of impunity. How are the Portuguese dealing with this? Are they turning a blind eye, or is there a deeply ingrained culture that tends to silence such acts?
Cases like Operation Marquês, involving former Prime Minister José Sócrates, and banking scandals that shook institutions such as BES and BPN, are just the tip of the iceberg. These cases have exposed complex webs of corruption, financial mismanagement, and crimes that have eroded public trust. However, the practical impact in terms of punishing those responsible has been muted compared to the scale of the crimes.
When a politician or a major business figure is accused of corruption, the public reaction in Portugal is not always one of shock, as might be expected. Skepticism towards justice is reflected in public discourse, debates, and even in the press. There is a prevailing sense that those in power are untouchable, perpetuating a culture of resignation among citizens. The belief that “justice is not for everyone” fosters silence, creating a situation where those responsible rarely face appropriate consequences.
The media, in many cases, plays an ambiguous role. While it is responsible for investigating and exposing corruption cases, there are times when coverage seems superficial or insufficient. In situations like Operation Furacão and the Submarines Case, despite the seriousness of the accusations, the judicial consequences are rarely discussed after the initial headlines. The impression is that the focus on the news fades as time passes, with cases slipping into public oblivion while court proceedings drag on.
Another point to consider is the perception that certain media outlets may be influenced by political or economic interests, downplaying the exposure of powerful figures. The Freeport Case, which involved suspicions over the environmental licensing of a shopping center, raised doubts about media coverage and the ability to thoroughly investigate high-ranking officials.
The sluggishness of the Portuguese judicial system is another factor contributing to the sense of impunity. Complex cases like Operation Monte Branco and the Face Oculta Case, which involve years of investigations and trials, tend to demotivate the public, which rarely sees a definitive outcome. This slow process allows those involved to remain free, often with their careers intact, even in the face of concrete evidence.
While in other European countries justice seems to operate more swiftly and transparently, Portugal has struggled to ensure that those in power face the consequences of their actions. The Operation Lex, for example, which involved figures within the judiciary itself, raised serious concerns about the independence and integrity of the institutions meant to safeguard justice.
Portugal, like many other democracies, has faced the challenge of corruption at various levels of government and in the private sector. However, what sets the country apart is the way the Portuguese seem to accept, even if passively, the continuation of these scandals without much contestation. The silence surrounding these issues reflects a deeply ingrained culture of distrust in the system’s ability to truly punish the guilty.
The lack of substantial reforms, both within the judicial and legislative systems, perpetuates this culture of impunity. Although investigations are opened and convictions made in some cases, such as Operation Red Card, where former Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira was accused of financial crimes, there is rarely a deep restructuring to prevent the repetition of such acts.
The silence surrounding corruption in Portugal is symptomatic of something deeper: a disillusionment with institutions and a widespread belief that political and business elites operate above the law. To break this cycle, the country will need not only a more efficient and faster justice system but also a free and fearless press capable of keeping pressure on the powerful and demanding transparency.
Portugal’s future as a full democracy depends on the ability of its citizens and institutions to challenge this status quo, demanding accountability and integrity from those who hold power. As long as corruption is met with silence, scandals will continue to tarnish the country’s reputation, and the real culprits will remain unpunished.
