Cable cars for Funchal residents? Smarter traffic systems? A modernized bus fleet? Politicians across the spectrum are sharing ideas to reduce car dependence and tackle Madeira’s traffic problems.
A decrease in drug consumption among young adults is encouraging news. However, with 58% of Madeira’s adult population classified as overweight or obese, the region faces a significant public health challenge.
Madeira's tourism industry hit a record €756.7 million in 2024, growing 15.3%. Key figures show increases in revenue, occupancy, and visitor numbers, with German, UK and Portuguese markets driving growth.
ACIF-CCIM says new hiking trail fees and a proposed doubling of Funchal's tourist tax could strip up to 90 million euros from Madeira's economy.
Animal charity Ajuda a Alimentar Cães is urging Madeira residents to bring pets indoors as storm Charles brings heavy rain and strong wind to the islands.
Funchal city council and the PSP opened the city's bus lanes to general traffic on Tuesday, to help residents leave the centre faster as storm Charles worsens.
Madeira's regional president, Miguel Albuquerque, says private companies, not the government, should decide whether to send staff home during the storm.
Câmara de Lobos is preparing community centers and a school pavilion as emergency shelters, as IPMA issues red and orange weather warnings for storm Charles.
Madeira's Civil Protection service tests a preventive SMS alert system this afternoon, sent in Portuguese and English, as a red weather warning approaches.
IPMA's regional delegate says Tuesday night's storm, linked to depression Charles, cannot be compared to Madeira's deadly flood disaster of February 2010.
Madeira's government has ordered schools closed until 13:00 on Wednesday after IPMA issued a red warning for heavy rain and wind overnight.