Less bureaucracy and more space for citizens: government unveils measures to ease access to public services

Youth and Modernization Minister Margarida Balseyro presented measures aimed at “reducing bureaucracy,” “standardizing” and “simplifying” access to public services. On Tuesday, after the Council of Ministers meeting, a government official revealed 15 digital simplification measures, making it clear that they will not leave behind “those who lack digital skills.” Introducing more accessible methods of service delivery, as well as expanding civic space, are two of the government’s goals.

For the governor, it is important to “use digital technologies when they simplify them” and to promote more accessible relations between the state administration and citizens. The Simplex program is scheduled to be implemented in 2025. “We have chosen measures that can reach people” and that combat “limitations in access to public services,” he said.

“Today we are presenting a package of 15 measures to simplify and de-bureaucratize. If you ask me what this program is called, the best name would be Simplex,” the minister said, adding: “We are not going to destroy things that have been done in the past if we think there are positive aspects and we will support that.”

In September, the GOV.PT website will be launched, which will integrate some services that can help citizens.

Civic spaces across the country will be expanded to help those who are struggling and digitally illiterate. “The focus on digital cannot lead to the exclusion of more people. There are those who do not have digital skills and need help,” a government official explained.

Margarida Balseiro believes that with the right support from public administration officials, people experiencing great difficulties can learn the processes of accessing the necessary documents and thus become more independent.

By 2026, the number of Citizen stores will be increased to 95, with some of them located near universities and hospitals.