Criticism Mounts as Madeira President Rejects National Firefighting Support
On Friday night, a spokesperson from the President's office disclosed that the Portuguese government had offered additional support to enhance firefighting efforts. Despite this, Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, declined the aid, arguing that the current resources were sufficient to manage the situation. As the fires continue to spread, criticism has intensified against Albuquerque for refusing the external help. Many now view the regional government's response as insufficient and lacking in effectiveness, particularly given the limited resources available, including just one helicopter and a small contingent of firefighters on the scene.
More than for prevention, this refusal by Miguel Albuquerque, in an attitude that we already know that 'everything is under control', demonstrates that we cannot trust the one who should be the first to guarantee the safety of people and goods
PS Leader Paulo Cafôfo, Jornal da Madeira
PS Leader Cafôfo Criticizes Albuquerque's "Incomprehensible and Irresponsible" Stance
In a heated response to ongoing wildfire crises, Paulo Cafôfo, leader of the PS Madeira, condemned Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Madeira Regional Government, for rejecting assistance from the Portuguese national government. Cafôfo labeled Albuquerque's refusal as "incomprehensible and irresponsible," questioning the regional president's commitment to ensuring public safety amid the growing threat of fires in Ribeira Brava and Câmara de Lobos, which are also approaching the city of Funchal.
The regional government refused help from the Republic, but why? Without any disrespect, we have specialists on the Continent who can help local authorities a lot, this is complete nonsense.
Marcio Santos on X.com
Social Media And Other Parties Raise Their Voices
The same goes for social media posts and comments, some claiming that Albuquerque's decision to dismiss support is ‘nonsense’. Previously, the small PTP party has already raised objection. Furthermore, the Liberal Initiative (IL) has said that once the fire is under control, the presidents decision must be reviewed publicly.
The conclusions on the strategic options taken, namely the refusal of support offered by the Government of the Republic, and on the effectiveness of remote leadership of the firefighting work, should be analyzed and discussed after the ongoing fires have been extinguished, which is what we hope to happen as quickly as possible.
Liberal Initiative (IL), on Diário de Notícias da Madeira
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