ABSTRACT
The challenge of reform of secondary education is extremely linked to a strengthening of civil society and to the transition from a subject to a participant, or at least, civic culture. Reform is about continuing a process of cultural change that will make democracy more egalitarian in terms of opportunities and sustainability. Although the enterprise-friendly measures are crucial for a revival of Portuguese industry, there are other crucial issues in Portugal, which, require major reform. Portugal is a country on the semiperiphery of the European economy, and as such it is highly vulnerable to the policies of the European Central Bank and the European Commission. The political class tends to look at the constitution or the electoral system as the reason for the growing gap with the population, but, in reality, it has more to do with their own behavior in the parliamentary forum and outside. A well-educated and healthy workforce is essential for any improvement in the Portuguese economy.
