War on bureaucracy – news from the trench

The Prime Minister has declared war on bureaucracy, emphasizing the need for reform in Portugal's administrative processes. While the government has made legislative progress, the real challenge lies in the application of laws, which often leads to complications rather than simplifications. The concept of tacit approval is undermined by administrative responses that cite missing documents or incomplete requests, despite legal provisions. Additionally, the interpretation of laws often favors bureaucratic inertia over decisive action. The article argues for accountability in decision-making and suggests that merely eliminating bureaucratic hurdles is insufficient; systemic changes are necessary to ensure compliance with legislative intent.