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.