Since the third wave of democratization in the 70s and 80s of last century the democratic system in Europe lives under a singular paradox. On the one hand, the expansion of democracy to various European countries and regions, and the triumphalism of the democratic regime; on the other hand, since the 90s of last century, the crisis of legitimacy of democracy has been one of the most recurrent themes among commentators, journalists, and political scientists, all of them emphasizing the growing gap between those who govern and who is governed.
Many symptoms support this diagnosis which are reflected in the political disaffection of citizens, the growth of electoral abstention, the decline in citizens' political participation, among others. This situation that has become particularly critical and problematic in the case of the countries of southern Europe, with sovereign debt crises, external intervention by the EU, the European Central Bank and the IMF.
We focus this research in a specific case study - the case of Portugal - comprising the following objectives:
1. How do the citizens see, assess and evaluate the functioning of democracy in two concrete moments in time, particularly 2008 and 2012? Can we speak of a democratic deficit on the part of Portuguese citizens? If Yes, What is their magnitude, causes and consequences?
2. How do the MP’s see, assess ad evaluate the functioning of democracy in two concrete moments in time, particularly 2008 and 2012? Can we speak of a democratic deficit on the part of Portuguese citizens? If Yes, What is their magnitude, causes and consequences?
3. What are the similarities and differences that can be found in both diagnoses, of the masses and of the elected representatives to Parliament? And what lessons can be drawn from here to improve (reform) the democratic system in Portugal?
