Miguel Albuquerque Appointed President of Madeira's Regional Government Following Election Victory

Miguel Albuquerque Takes Charge

The Republic's representative in Madeira, Ireneu Barreto, appointed the social-democrat Miguel Albuquerque as the president of the regional government this Friday. Albuquerque's victory in the regional legislative elections on Sunday solidified his position.

Before the appointment, Ireneu Barreto consulted with the six parties that secured parliamentary representation after the elections, confirming his decision to appoint Albuquerque.

Election Results

The PSD (Social Democratic Party) won the election, securing 23 deputies, just one seat short of an absolute majority. However, the PSD Madeira formed a parliamentary and governmental agreement with the CDS-PP, which holds one seat in the Legislative Assembly. This coalition enables Miguel Albuquerque to govern with a majority.

The agreement also ensures the inclusion of José Manuel Rodrigues, the leader of CDS Madeira, in the executive.

Miguel Albuquerque stated, "I have been appointed by the representative to form the government. I have submitted the government formation to the representative of the Republic, and at 20:55, the constituted government will be sent to all media outlets," following a meeting at the Palácio de São Lourenço in Funchal.

Opposition Landscape

Following this election, the JPP (People's Party) has taken the lead in the opposition with 11 deputies, while the PS (Socialist Party) came in third with eight mandates. Additionally, Chega secured three deputies, and Iniciativa Liberal gained one.

These elections were the third legislative ones in the archipelago in about a year and a half, occurring less than a year after the last voting. Albuquerque's previous government fell last December after a motion of censure was passed.

(c/ Lusa)