Officials warn that the Mercosur-EU trade deal could threaten Madeira’s banana industry, as cheaper South American imports may overwhelm local farmers, making it harder for them to compete and risking their livelihoods in the European market.
Madeira’s banking sector has changed over the years. In 2023, the number of bank branches hit a decades-long low, while interest income for local banks saw a sharp rise.
Forum Madeira shopping center, marking 20 years since its launch, has been sold to the Spanish company Caminho PropĂcio, transitioning from its previous German owners, DWS.
An additional 30 nurses have joined Madeira's public healthcare services, providing immediate support. Over the past decade, more than 700 nurses have been recruited to strengthen the region's healthcare system.
A video displaying a large number of foreigners peacefully queuing at the IMT in Funchal has led to a biased backlash online. The reaction can partly be explained in the context of the industry's push for cheap labor from low-income countries.
After the recent strike that had little result, the Hotel Workers’ Union in Madeira is planning more decisive actions, including gatherings and demonstrations in front of businesses and public offices.
How do you stop workers from exercising their democratic right to demand fair pay? You pay them off first. This, according to a union speaking on public television, was the alleged strategy during the recent strike in the hospitality sector.
Three seemingly unrelated news made the headline in Madeira recently. In the big picture, they tell a rather concerning story about the island.
Only 2 of 1,200 Pestana employees all over Madeira decided to join the strike for better wages. Why is that?
Madeira's agricultural landscape in 2023 sees more cows and fewer farmers. While cattle numbers rise, the farming population shrinks, with older, more educated farmers leading the way.
After a series of delays, disputes, and a bidding process, Funchal Marina finally has new management and is scheduled to open in April 2025. With past setbacks, can this new deadline be met?
