Madeira Sees Rising Political Decline and Institutional Failures

Political Instability on the Rise in Madeira

Teresa Ruel, a prominent political scientist, highlighted the deteriorating political situation in Madeira, emphasizing that the ongoing turmoil has been worsening since January. The catalyst for this decline, according to Ruel, was the decision to make Miguel Albuquerque, the president of the regional government, a formal suspect in an ongoing corruption investigation.

Breach of Parliamentary Rules Amid Moção de Censura Delay

Ruel also criticized the recent decision to delay a scheduled vote on a motion of no confidence (moção de censura) against the regional government, calling it a "gross violation" of parliamentary rules. She pointed out that the regional assembly's decision to postpone the debate until after the 2025 regional budget is voted on directly contradicts established procedural timelines.

Since we learned that Miguel Albuquerque was made a defendant (...) this fact led to early elections in May of this year, and since then, instability has been the defining feature and has characterized the functioning of the political system in Madeira and its institutions.

Teresa Ruel in Diário de Notícias da Madeira

Government’s Struggle with Legitimacy and Consensus

Following the May 2024 elections, the center-right social-democratic party (PSD) lost its absolute majority in the Madeira Legislative Assembly for the first time since the region’s autonomy began. This shift has caused difficulties for the PSD-led minority government, which has struggled to find broader political consensus. Despite some cooperation from other parties on the government’s program and budget, Ruel notes that the administration has faced growing criticism and instability.

Legal Challenges Loom Over Government's Future

Ruel warned that if the court rules in favor of the Chega party, which has announced its intention to challenge the delay of the no-confidence motion in court, the legality of all subsequent actions -including the approval of the 2025 budget - could be called into question. This uncertainty has left Madeira's political future hanging in the balance, with the region’s institutions experiencing serious dysfunctions that threaten democratic processes.

Calls for Greater Accountability Amid Corruption Scandals

Ruel also addressed the ongoing corruption scandals involving several members of the regional government, including four regional secretaries who are under investigation. These legal issues, combined with criticism of the government's handling of a major wildfire disaster in August 2024, have only exacerbated the region's fragile political landscape.

As the situation develops, the outcome of the no-confidence motion remains uncertain, but it has the potential to bring about significant changes in the regional government and its political trajectory.

Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira