Comparative analysis of transparency policy in Iberian municipalities

Tejedo-Romero, F.; Araujo, J.F.F.E. (2021). Análisis comparado de la política de trans-parencia en los municipios Ibéricos. Revista Española de Documentación Científica, 44 (4), e309. https://doi.org/ 10.3989/redc.2021.4.1790 This episode explores the evolution of transparency policies in Iberian municipalities, comparing Spain and Portugal. Both countries share similar constitutional foundations for access to administrative information, initially adopting reactive transparency models that later evolved into proactive online disclosure. European directives influenced their alignment with international transparency standards. Key differences emerge in legislative dynamics and transparency levels. Spain implemented regulations earlier and more progressively, joining the Open Government Partnership in 2011 and adopting active transparency laws sooner. Spanish municipalities also scored higher on Transparency Indexes (ITM) than Portuguese ones. Using ITM data from 2008–2017 for Spain and 2013–2017 for Portugal, the study reveals that financial information is most disclosed, while public procurement data lags. Despite variations, transparency improved in both nations, with Spain serving as a model for Portugal. This theme reflects on legislative impacts, historical factors, and lessons for enhancing municipal transparency across borders.