#12153. A Portuguese Miracle: the Politics of the First Phase of Covid-19 in Portugal

July 2026publication date
Proposal available till 24-05-2025
4 total number of authors per manuscript0 $

The title of the journal is available only for the authors who have already paid for
Journal’s subject area:
Sociology and Political Science;
Places in the authors’ list:
place 1place 2place 3place 4
FreeFreeFreeFree
2350 $1200 $1050 $900 $
Contract №12153.1 Contract №12153.2 Contract №12153.3 Contract №12153.4
1 place - free (for sale)
2 place - free (for sale)
3 place - free (for sale)
4 place - free (for sale)

Abstract:
Facing the first phase of the pandemic with exceptionally low casualties, Portugal was internationally praised as an outstanding example, particularly when compared to other Southern European countries. This article depicts how the pandemic crisis erupted in Portugal and how the Socialist government, the opposition and, to an important degree, the head of state responded to its demands, curbing the initial spread of the infection. The government ensured considerable levels of support from citizens and from other parties. The official opposition maintained its pragmatic and conciliatory tone during the confinement stages of the pandemic. It is argued that lower levels of political polarisation and a climate of cross-party collaboration are key factors in understanding the ‘Portuguese miracle’.
Keywords:
centralised state; crisis management; cross-party collaboration; pandemic; policy response; public policy; Rally-round-the-flag; state capacity

Contacts :
0