Funchal Mayor Blasts Opposition: 'They Left Us with Nothing!'

Mayor's Strong Words

The Mayor of Funchal, Cristina Pedra, expressed her frustration this afternoon, stating that the opposition has "left a hand full of nothing, they left us zero." This remark came in response to accusations from the Confiança coalition, which criticized the loss of €23 million allocated for housing in Funchal.

Clarifying the Situation

Cristina clarified that when the current administration took office, existing projects violated the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) approved in 2018 by former president Miguel Silva Gouveia. She emphasized that there was no approved funding, only a protocol that might secure future financing.

Legalization Required for Funding

She stated, "Even with the signed protocol, they would never have funding because one of the prerequisites was the legalization of the land. During this term, we had to expropriate and legalize properties in the name of the municipality, so even if they wanted funding, it couldn't be approved without completed legalization work."

Accusations of Deceit

The Mayor accused the opposition of lying and misleading the residents of Funchal, noting that processes were not expedited due to delays from the Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU). "We have completed all the legalization processes and have all projects ready to present by the end of our term," she asserted.

Upcoming Housing Projects

The construction of housing will only commence after IHRU approval, which has recently been granted for the Nazaré project, consisting of 33 housing units that will soon be delivered to tenants. The municipal budget includes plans for 180 new housing units, a commitment that the Mayor vowed to fulfill.

Increased Support for Rentals

In a recent council meeting, Funchal approved an additional €200,000 for social support for rentals. Cristina Pedra highlighted the executive's commitment to revise regulations to include a broader range of beneficiaries. Furthermore, the council approved a Subsidy for Birth and Family Support, covering childcare, educational materials, and health and food expenses.

Tax Benefits for Urban Rehabilitation

Four tax benefits were granted for reconstruction projects in Funchal, essential for stimulating construction. These benefits include a reduced VAT rate of 4% instead of the usual 22%, exemptions from IMT, IMI, and public space occupation fees for six months, along with a 50% reduction in other applicable municipal fees.