The Portuguese City Map: Discrepancies of a Secular System

Abstract

This article focuses on the reorganization of the Portuguese municipal map, a complex theme that should precede the regionalization process, which will fill part of the national political discourse during the year 2012. The reformulation of the municipal map is materialized through the creation, but mostly through merging and dissolution of municipalities and parishes. In theoretical terms, it is considered appropriate to implement a set of not so peaceful reforms, which are nevertheless crucial to the rationalization and modernization of the state at local and regional levels, before the creation of administrative regions.