Madeira’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio Now at 61.2%
Madeira’s debt burden has steadily declined since 2012, falling 19.8%, with the region’s debt-to-GDP ratio now at 61.2% - considerably below Portugal’s 97.6%.
IN FOCUS
Cruise Tourism Sees 19.64% Rise, Crew and Guests Spent €61.40 Each
Madeira's cruise tourism reached new heights in the first quarter of 2025, with nearly 267,000 passengers visiting the island - a 19.64% increase compared to the first 3 months of 2024, whereas tourists and crew spent an average of €61.40.
IN FOCUS
Who Was Dr. Nélio Mendonça?
In the heart of Funchal, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital stands as Madeira’s leading medical center. Yet, many may wonder: who was Dr. Nélio Mendonça, the man honored with this legacy?
Madeira Needs 10,000 More Construction Workers, Union Says
Madeira's construction sector needs about 10,000 more workers to run at a normal pace, the union says, as skilled staff leave for better pay abroad.
Rape Cases Rise in Portugal, Security Report Finds
Portugal's latest internal security report found a rise in reported rape cases over the past decade, with a fifth of suspects under the age of 20.
Liberal Party Urges Rethink Of Madeira Tourism Fee Policy
Iniciativa Liberal warns that forecasts show tourism demand in Madeira could fall 20% this Christmas and 40% next summer, and blames rising fees.
Every Tourism Fee Rising in Madeira in 2027
Madeira is raising hiking, diving and tourist taxes in 2027, with Funchal, Santa Cruz and Porto Santo doubling nightly fees and ACIF warning of a 40% demand drop.
Mother of Missing Madeira Lifeguard Vows Not to Give Up
The mother of missing lifeguard João Quintal says rescue crews searched for her son only two or three times before the operation was suspended.
Albuquerque: "I Build Houses and Then They go Protest"
Miguel Albuquerque brushed off Saturday's Funchal housing protest, citing 175 million euros invested in nearly 800 new public homes.
Housing Rights Rally Fills Funchal's Largo do Município
Residents gathered at Largo do Município in Funchal on November 14, demanding urgent action on Madeira's housing crisis from regional leaders.
Priest Questions Who Benefits From Madeira's Growth
Canon Manuel Martins says Madeira's economic growth coexists with poverty, overcrowded housing and unheated homes, citing new social data.