Madeira's Political Landscape Shifts: Key Candidates and Issues in Upcoming Elections

Madeira's Regional Elections: A Crucial Decision Day

This Sunday, Madeira heads to the polls for new regional legislative elections, marking the third election in just over a year and a half. Over 255,000 voters are registered to participate, following the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly initiated by the President of the Republic due to a motion of censure that toppled the Regional Government.

The Contenders

A total of 14 parties are competing for 47 seats in the Regional Parliament. Among them are several returning parties and three newcomers: Nova Direita (ND), Partido Popular Monárquico (PPM), and the Força Madeira coalition. Notably, only three women are leading lists in these elections: Mónica Freitas (PAN), Marta Sofia (Livre), and Raquel Coelho (PTP).

Key Candidates

• Edgar Silva - CDU: As the head of the Democratic Unitary Coalition, Silva aims to regain parliamentary representation lost in previous elections. He emphasizes housing crisis solutions and proposes a €400 million public investment plan to ensure affordable housing for all Madeirans.

• Miguel Albuquerque - PSD: The incumbent President of the Regional Government since 2015, Albuquerque is seeking re-election despite the recent political upheaval. He argues for political stability and continuity in governance, focusing on economic growth and affordable housing.

• Marta Sofia - Livre: A progressive candidate advocating for democracy, ecology, and social justice, Sofia emphasizes affordable housing and public health improvements.

• Élvio Sousa - JPP: Leading the Juntos Pelo Povo party, Sousa is focused on transparency and efficiency in governance, pledging to tackle issues like healthcare wait times and affordable housing.

• Paulo Azevedo - ND: Representing the newly formed Nova Direita, Azevedo outlines plans for housing, health, and education reforms, aiming to modernize the region.

• Mónica Freitas - PAN: As the spokesperson for the People-Animal-Nature Party, Freitas advocates for a sustainable and just Madeira, emphasizing environmental protection and accessible housing.

• Raquel Coelho - Força Madeira: Leading a coalition aiming to combat corruption, Coelho seeks to promote transparency and agricultural development in Madeira.

• Paulo Cafôfo - PS: The Socialist Party leader proposes a commitment plan to improve living conditions, focusing on housing, health, and education.

Major Issues at Stake

The elections will determine the new configuration of Madeira's Parliament and address pressing issues including:

• The housing crisis and the need for affordable living options.
• Political stability and governance effectiveness post-censure motion.
• Economic growth strategies and public service improvements.

As voters prepare to make their choices, the outcome will significantly influence the political and social landscape of Madeira for the next four years.