“Revolving doors”. Two thirds of former municipal presidents remain in public office

A new investigation concluded that the end of the mandates does not dictate a true renewal in the system, with the same faces continuing to occupy high political and Public Administration positions.

A study by the University of Minho concluded that the renewal of faces in local power does not correspond, in practice, to a true change in the political system. Research reveals that around two thirds of former mayors who left office after the last local elections remain integrated into the State apparatus, moving to new public positions.

The work, conducted by researchers Sandro Dantas and Miguel Ângelo Rodrigues, analyzed the trajectory of 113 former mayors. The data shows that 66% took on roles at different levels of the state structure. Among the most frequent destinations is Public Administration, which welcomed 25 former presidents to bodies such as regional boards, public institutes, universities and foundations.

Continuity in the public sector not limited to central administration. Another 23 former mayors remained in local power, either in neighboring municipalities, or as opposition councilors or presidents of municipal assemblies. Furthermore, 20 were elected to the Assembly of the Republic, two became regional deputies and five joined the Government. At European level, five former mayors reached the European Parliament.

In contrast, only a minority returned to their original professional activity. According to the study, 15 resumed their previous careerswhile nine retired and six entered the private sector. Residual cases include two in private associations and one in a public associative entity.

For Miguel Ângelo Rodrigues, these data demonstrate the existence of a “political-administrative market” marked by dynamics of continuity. “Terms are limited, but dinosaurs are not extinct, they just change the ecosystem”, he told , referring to the term limits law approved in 2005.

The study also highlights the weight of so-called “revolving doors”, especially for mayors aligned with the Government. In such cases, the likelihood of transition to national political positions approaches 50%while around 25% are appointed to roles in Public Administration. Destinations such as the European Parliament or public companies are less important.

The conclusions reinforce the idea that, despite formal turnover, the Portuguese political system maintains a strong internal continuity, with the same faces doing a kind of “musical chairs” in the State administration.