Alberto João Jardim Urges His PSD/Madeira to Consider New Leadership
Alberto João Jardim, the former president of Madeira’s Regional Government, has issued a dire warning regarding the political situation on the island, describing current leader Miguel Albuquerque’s tenure as a “collapse” of Madeira’s stability and of the Social Democratic Party (PSD/Madeira). Speaking in an interview with TSF, Jardim emphasized the need for new leadership, claiming that Albuquerque’s inability to unify the party is diminishing the legacy of Madeira’s long-ruling PSD.
Madeira Only Had 3 President’s Until Today
Jaime Ornelas Camacho (1976–1978): The first president, who served briefly after Madeira gained autonomous status.
Alberto João Jardim (1978–2015): The longest-serving president, who led the region for nearly 37 years.
Miguel Albuquerque (2015–present): The current president, who succeeded Jardim and continues to hold the position.
Jardim Criticizes Albuquerque For Failing to Address Judicial Crisis
Jardim, who led the regional government for nearly four decades from 1978 to 2015, did not hold back words, saying, “A leader who doesn’t unite doesn’t serve.” He argued that Albuquerque’s failure to address the judicial crisis and his divisive leadership style are pushing the party toward instability, leaving it vulnerable as it faces a no-confidence motion initiated by the Chega party and supported by other opposition parties.
The Social Democratic Party has been losing votes, losing credibility- by whom? For the past ten years, it’s had a leader who hasn’t been able to unite the party. The problem isn’t about external issues; for me, the problem is a party that was once hegemonic and is now being fragmented from within. Forming a new government without Miguel would be excellent, as it would pave the way to introduce the kind of person I just spoke about—a person who doesn’t belong to one faction or another but is ideally suited to reunite the PSD.
Alberto João Jardim - RTP Madeira
A Call for Albuquerque’s Resignation to Preserve Dignity
The 81-year-old former leader believes that Albuquerque should step down, citing his own resignation in 2015 as an example of a dignified exit in the face of party divisions. “For both the region and the PSD, it would be healthier if he stepped down with dignity and was treated with dignity,” said Jardim, echoing sentiments recently expressed by national PSD leader Luís Montenegro. Albuquerque, however, has refused to resign, declaring that the PSD “will not give up power.” Opposition critics have accused him of clinging to his position, which they argue undermines effective governance.
For both the region and the PSD, it would be healthier if he stepped down with dignity and was treated with dignity
Alberto João Jardim - Diário de Notícias da Madeira
Judicial Issues and Opposition Tensions Weaken PSD’s Position
Jardim’s comments come as the Albuquerque administration faces a growing judicial crisis linked to allegations and anonymous accusations. According to Jardim, the party’s internal divisions have drained its strength, leaving it unable to effectively respond to external pressures, including the latest judicial challenges. He lamented that, while no one is guilty until proven otherwise, Albuquerque’s leadership has left the party disunited and unprepared to face mounting scrutiny.
Jardim Also Targets The Opposition
Jardim also targeted the opposition for exploiting the PSD’s weakened state. In particular, he criticized the Chega party for filing a no-confidence motion despite having previously supported Albuquerque’s government. “Chega knew there were judicial investigations when it backed the formation of this government. Now, suddenly, it decides to file a no-confidence motion without any warning,” he stated.
A leader who does not unite is not useful. When I saw in 2015 that the PSD/Madeira was already fractured and that there was no longer any possibility of uniting it, I said I was leaving.
Alberto João Jardim - Diário de Notícias da Madeira
Jardim’s Scorn for Opposition Strategies
The no-confidence motion is expected to pass with the support of the Socialist Party (PS), adding to the instability within Madeira’s political landscape. Jardim expressed frustration with the PS, accusing it of supporting a motion that, paradoxically, includes language critical of its own policies. “It’s chaos,” he commented, noting that several opposition parties that previously criticized the PSD are now ambivalent about whether to support the motion.
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Jardim Warns of Failing Governments
Faced with this turbulent political environment, Jardim voiced concerns about the potential for early elections. “This is like Italy! Just the thought that we might be stuck with governments collapsing one after another is absurd,” he said, noting that it would be the third election in Madeira within a year. Jardim blamed both PSD/Madeira’s leadership and the opposition for the recurring instability.
https://twitter.com/AlbertoJoaoJar1/status/1763572715498197424
A Path to Renewal: Jardim Advocates for Unifying Leadership
Despite his grim outlook, Jardim believes a solution exists. He urged PSD/Madeira to consider a leader who could rise above the party’s factional divisions and bring its various groups together. He called for “someone who isn’t tied to any particular faction but is well-suited to reunite PSD/Madeira.” When asked if such a figure existed within the party, Jardim responded affirmatively, noting that he knows someone capable and willing to take on the role, though he did not disclose any names. Did he refer to Manuel Antonio Correia whom he previously praised?
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