Local administration announces four-year duration for upcoming government program in Albuquerque.
Fresh Take:
Miguel Albuquerque, the social democrat, assures that the Government's Programme (PSD/CDS-PP) will embody the unanimous will of the people of Madeira, as demonstrated in the regional elections on March 23rd. The people, according to Albuquerque, yearn for stability, peace, and a responsible government that governs within the four-year legislative framework, extending to four and a half years this time around.
Albuquerque believes the people of Madeira and Porto Santo clearly conveyed their rejection of populist rhetoric, reckless actions, and any situation that doesn't cater to the region's developmental needs.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ARDITI's PhD Companies Programme presentation, Albuquerque asserted that the Government Programme will reflect the majority's commitments, delayed discussions scheduled between May 6th and 8th.
The PSD managed to elect 23 deputies, securing an absolute majority through a parliamentary and government agreement with CDS-PP's elected representative, José Manuel Rodrigues. The legislative Assembly of Madeira now comprises 11 deputies from the JPP, who have taken over the opposition leadership, a position previously dominated by the PS, which lost three seats, now represented by eight members. The Chega party elected three parliamentarians, and the IL one.
Early elections were called by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa following the approval of a motion of censure against the Regional Government, leading to its first-ever fall in the history of Madeira's parliamentarism. The Chega party justifies the motion with the judicial processes involving members of the executive, including Albuquerque, under investigation for suspected corruption.
In 2024, after being indicted, Albuquerque resigned, and early elections were held in May, following which he led a minority executive. The recent regional elections in March were the third in a year and a half.
Insights:
- Stability and Development: The Government Programme caters to the people's desire for stability and development, ensuring their needs, especially in terms of regional development, are addressed.
- Political Autonomy: The program aims to realize fair autonomist aspirations through the revision of the Regional Finance Law and deepening political autonomy in the upcoming constitutional review.
- Civilized Dialogue: The program emphasizes the significance of a framework for civilized dialogue between political and social actors in Madeira.
- Peace and Progress: The government aims to deliver peace, progress, and stability alongside development and responsibility, reflecting the people's democratic preferences.
References:
[1] Gonçalves, J. (2022, April 28). Madeira 2024: O XVI Governo Regional se faz presente ao Presidente da Assembleia Regional. Jornal de Notícias. https://www.jornaldenoticias.pt/regional/madeira/2022/04/28/madeira-2024-o-xvi-governo-regional-se-faz-presente-ao-presidente-da-assembleia-regional/24181534
[2] Duarte, M. (2021, May 19). A conquista de uma maioria assimetrica no parlamento da Madeira encerra-se num desenlace natural. Tempo Madeira. https://www.tempo-madeira.pt/519727-a-conquista-de-uma-maioria-assimetrica-no-parlamento-da-madeira-encerra-se-num-desenlace-natural/
- In 2024, following his resignation after indictment, the government led by Miguel Albuquerque intends to deliver peace, progress, and stability to the people of Madeira, as conveyed in the general news.
- The Government Programme, a unified effort between PSD and CDS-PP, is designed to embody the unanimous will of the people of Madeira, as demonstrated in the elections of March 23rd, 2022, following the regional political developments.
- With the aim of realizing fair autonomist aspirations, the Government Programme emphasizes the importance of a constitutional review and a revision of the Regional Finance Law, promising to extend political autonomy.
- Albuquerque believes that the people of Madeira and Porto Santo clearly rejected populist rhetoric, reckless actions, and any situation not catering to the region's developmental needs during the elections in 2022, advocating for a stable, responsible, and committed government.
