This book examines the characteristics and evolution of interest groups in Portugal. The book analyses the main features of group population, the strategies utilised by organised interests, their interactions with key decision-makers, and citizens’ opinions regarding their role in the political system.

Introduction.- 1. The study of interest groups.- 2. The system of interest representation in Portugal.- 3. Associational involvement and political participation in Portugal: Insights from a longitudinal and comparative study.- 4. Interest groups, political representation and citizen preferences.- 5. Seeking access to policy-makers: Interest group strategies.- 6. Interest groups in the parliamentary arena.- 7. Interest groups in the media.- 8. Portuguese interest groups and the European Union.- 9. Conclusions.

“An indispensable addition to the literature on interest group and political representation.  This book provides a unique perspective on the role of interest groups in Portugal and their implications for political representation, and it does so from a rich comparative perspective that illuminates the challenges and prospects for the study of Portuguese interest groups and beyond. A must read for anyone interested in political representation.” 

—Sebastián Royo, Provost and Professor of Political Science, Clark University, USA 

“Based on considerable collective research, Marco Lisi and his research team can provide new theoretical insights into the relationship between interest intermediation and political representation. Furthermore, the book is the most comprehensive empirical study of the field in Portugal from a comparative perspective to date. The work also highlights Portuguese interest groups' changing logic of action in an increasingly integrated European Union multilevel arena. This new book is an indispensable, comprehensive addition to the still under-researched field of interest groups and lobbying in southern Europe.” 

—José M. Magone, Professor in Regional and Global Governance, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany 

This book examines the characteristics and evolution of interest groups in Portugal. Drawing from a wide array of sources - including surveys, parliamentary activities, media coverage and interviews with MPs and lobbyists – it systematically assesses interest group politics. The book analyses the main features of group population, the strategies utilised by organised interests, their interactions with key decision-makers, and citizens’ opinions regarding their role in the political system. The original data provided in this book frames the Portuguese case in a broader European context, and will be extremely useful for international comparisons. It will appeal to scholars and students of European politics, interest groups, democratic theories, and public policy.   ​

Marco Lisi is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Studies, Nova University of Lisbon, and researcher at IPRI-NOVA, Portugal. His research interests include political parties, interest groups, electoral behavior, party systems, political representation and election campaigns.    

“An indispensable addition to the literature on interest group and political representation.  This book provides a unique perspective on the role of interest groups in Portugal and their implications for political representation, and it does so from a rich comparative perspective that illuminates the challenges and prospects for the study of Portuguese interest groups and beyond. A must read for anyone interested in political representation.” (Sebastián Royo, Provost and Professor of Political Science, Clark University, USA)

“Based on considerable collective research, Professor Marco Lisi and his research team can provide new theoretical insights into the relationship between interest intermediation and political representation. Furthermore, the book is the most comprehensive empirical study of the field in Portugal from a comparative perspective to date. The work also highlights Portuguese interest groups' changing logic of action in an increasingly integrated European Union multilevel arena. This new book is an indispensable, comprehensive addition to the still under-researched field of interest groups and lobbying in southern Europe.” (José M. Magone, Professor in Regional and Global Governance, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany)

“This book offers a comprehensive theoretical and empirical analysis of lobbying in Portugal. It is a must-read book for anyone who wants to understand interest groups’ strategies, access, and influence in the Portuguese policy-making process across time.” (Laura Chaqués Bonafont, Full Professor of Political Science, University of Barcelona, Spain)

Examines the characteristics and evolution of interest groups in Portugal Draws from a wide array of sources, including surveys and interviews with MPs and lobbyists Provides new data that will be useful for comparisons of interest groups in other countries

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