Ray Jane B.

Relampagos January 3, 2024

Comparative Politics 3 ABPOLSCI-A

MULTI-PARTY SYSTEM BETWEEN GERMANY AND PORTUGAL

A multi-party system is one in which numerous parties fight for control and
which coalitions made up of various party combinations frequently share power.
Major and minor political parties will have a good chance of winning seats in the
great majority of multi-party systems. This level of competition means that it is
unlikely that one party will control the country’s legislature, which forces the creation
of a coalition (Edexcel, 2021).
Countries like Germany and Portugal hold a version of the political system.
The Federal Republic of Germany is structured as a federal state and parliamentary
democracy, whereas Portugal operates as a unitary multi-party semi presidential
representative democratic republic. They both operate a multi-party system with
similarities and differences in terms of the political landscape, party dynamics, and
proportional representation. The following highlights the main differences between
Portugal's and Germany's multi-party systems.

Dominant Parties
 Germany has traditionally been dominated by two major parties: the Christian
Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The CDU
(Christian Democratic Union) is Germany’s largest political party, sometimes
known as the “People’s Party” or “Volkspartei”. It was established in 1945 and
adheres to a market economy as well as traditional Christian beliefs. Along
with its Bavarian sister party, the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany)
is the country’s oldest party, having been created in the nineteenth century. It
promotes social justice and is strongly associated with labor unions.
Historically, these two are the largest parties in German politics (Mamshii,
2023).

 According to Silva (2022), Portugal has a more diverse and fragmented

political landscape with multiple parties holding significant influence. The
Socialist Party (PS) is a center-left party that won a majority in the last general
election. The Socialist Party seeks to strengthen the national health service,
tackle climate change, and reduce poverty rates in Portugal. Also, the Social
Democratic Party (PSD) is a center-right party with both conservative and
liberal economic ideologies. PSD has supported tax cuts and economic
liberalization. These are the major players of political system in Portugal, but
there is also a strong presence of left-wing parties like the Left Bloc (BE) and
the Communist Party (PCP).
Coalitions in Germany and Portugal
 Due to the proportional representation system, it is common in Germany for
multiple parties to be represented in the Bundestag. As a result, coalition
governments are often necessary to form a stable majority. The most common
coalition has been the grand coalition between the CDU/CSU and the SPD.
However, these two coalitions generally have a bad reputation. Hence, the
CDU/CSU-SPD government under Angela Merkel (2005-2009) was neither
the parties' nor the citizens' preferred choice, its performance was seen quite
critical from the outset, and it was finished without further ado after the 2009
federal election (McMillan, 2010).

 In Portugal, there have been left-wing coalitions, such as the arrangement

between the Socialist Party (PS), the Left Bloc (BE), and the Communist Party
(PCP) that supported the minority government led by the PS. These parties
collaborated to provide parliamentary support without officially being part of
the government (Calca, 2021).

Centrist and Left-Wing Dynamics

 German politics tends to be centrist, with the CDU/CSU and SPD
representing the center-right and center-left, respectively. The presence of
centrist parties contributes to a more stable political environment
(Goldenberg, 2022).

 Portugal has seen a stronger influence of left-wing parties, especially in recent

years. The Left Bloc and PCP, along with PS, have played crucial roles in
shaping government dynamics (Lisi, 2009).

Comparative Analysis of Germany and Portugal

Party Stability vs. Centrism vs. Regional
Dominance Dynamism Ideological Factors
Diversity
Germany: Germany: Germany: Germany:
Dominated More stable Tends toward National
historically by with a tradition centrist parties
two major of grand politics with a dominate,
parties coalitions. balance and
(CDU/CSU between regionalism
and SPD) major parties. is less
pronounced.
Portugal: Portugal: Portugal: Portugal:
Characterize More dynamic Reflects a Regional
d by a more with frequent broader parties and
diverse range shifts in ideological influences
of influential coalition spectrum are more
parties. arrangements. with left-wing significant.
influences.
 To conclude, the Multi-Party Systems in Germany and Portugal reflect
different historical contexts, party dynamics, and approaches to governance.
Germany historically had a more stable political environment dominated by two
major parties, leading to frequent grand coalitions. In contrast, Portugal has a more
diverse and dynamic political landscape with a wider range of parties actively
shaping coalition governments and policies. The prominence of left-wing parties,
regional influences, and the history of coalition dynamics are key factors that
differentiate the multi-party systems in these two countries.
REFERENCES

Edexcel, A. (2021). Multi Party System. Article of Politics.

https://www.tutor2u.net/politics/reference/multi-party-system

Mamshii, O. (2023). Top Political Parties in Germany. Best Dimplomats.

https://bestdiplomats.org/political-parties-in-germany/

Silva, L. (2022). Political Parties in Portugal. Potugal.com.

https://www.portugal.com/history-and-culture/political-parties-in-portugal/

Calca, P. (2021). Coalition Governance in Western Europe. Oxford: Oxford University

Press, 2021, pp. 517-543. ISBN 978-0-19-886848-4. Available under: doi:
10.1093/oso/9780198868484.003.0015

Goldenberg, R. (2022). A look at Germany’s Political Parties. Made for minds.

https://www.dw.com/en/spd-green-party-fdp-cdu-left-party-afd/a-38085900

Lisi, M. (2009). New Politics in Portugal: The rise and success of the left bloc.
Cairn.Info, pp. 127. https://www.cairn.info/revue-pole-sud-2009-1-page-
127.htm

McMillan, P. (2010). Germany after the Grand Coalition. Springer Link.

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9780230115415