#Thisisacoup: Portuguese Democracy under Austerity

This paper addresses the illiberal nature of neoliberalism in the context of the Portuguese crisis. The 78 billion Euro bailout to the country coincided with the resignation of the Socialist government and the ensuing legislative elections that led to a centre-right wing coalition government. The austerity measures applied by the government were accompanied by a strong rhetoric aiming to dismiss both the policies and their effects as depoliticised and technical solutions. The paper argues that the “There Is No Alternative” narrative constitutes a threat for democratic institutions, based on two premises. On the one hand, it tries to downplay and render illegitimate different visions aiming at solving the crisis, trying to conceal the “moral economy” of neoliberal policies. In fact, the former center-right Portuguese Prime Minister and pundits alike have systematically portrayed leftist politics and criticism of austerity (both from parties and social movements) as “fairytales” with no real applicability. On the other hand, austerity politics proponents have tried to ensure that leftist parties either submit to austerity or are barred from exercising power. When the three leftist parties (Communists, Left Bloc and Socialist Party) obtained a parliamentary majority in the October 2015 elections, the Portuguese President of the Republic made clear he would not appoint a government composed of parties opposing austerity, NATO and EU membership, referring to the Communist Party and the Left Bloc. The paper concludes by addressing the “Syriza effect” on Portuguese politics - the recent formation of a Socialist Party-led government with the support of both the Left Bloc and the Communist Party, unthinkable until now, given their previous antagonisms - and how the government is dealing with the constraints arising from the above-mentioned scenario.