Portugal took more immigrants per head than Germany, now the desperate reckoning

Portugal's Multicultural Tolerance under António Costa

For years, under the government of former Prime Minister—and now President of the European Council—António Costa, Portugal positioned itself as Europe’s island of multicultural tolerance. While other European countries faced social unrest and challenges related to immigration, Lisbon presented an image of gentle openness and liberal utopia, seemingly untouched by continental turmoil.

Immigration Flow and Demographic Impact

Between 2015 and 2024, Portugal received an estimated 150,000 immigrants annually, the highest intake in Europe relative to its population size. With just over ten million residents, this immigration wave marked a demographic revolution without historical precedent.

Historical Context of Population Movements

"Immigration now is 'a demographic revolution with no historical parallel, not in the population movements caused by the Arab conquest and the Christian Reconquista in the Middle Ages, and not in the Age of Discoveries.'"

This scale of population change surpasses even the significant shifts seen during Portugal’s medieval and imperial past.

Comparative European Perspective

In contrast, Portugal cultivated a reputation of openness and tolerance amidst these continental challenges.

Author's Summary

Portugal experienced an extraordinary immigration influx under António Costa, transforming its demographic landscape beyond any historical precedent while maintaining an image of social harmony.

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Brussels Signal Brussels Signal — 2025-11-04

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