PSD Pushes for Timely Questions to Regional President on August Fires

PSD's Request for Timely Questions

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) has submitted a request today for questions directed at the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, regarding the August wildfires to be posed within 48 hours following the hearing of the last invited witness. This information was disclosed by the Madeira Legislative Assembly this afternoon.

Hearing Schedule

According to the set schedule, during the Permanent Specialized Committee on Health and Civil Protection, chaired by JPP’s Lina Pereira, Pedro Ramos—who canceled his public agenda today due to health reasons—will be the first official to be heard. Following him, Sidónio Pio, the commander of the Mixed Firefighters of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, and António Nunes, the president of the Regional Civil Protection Service of Madeira, will also give their testimonies.

Questions to Albuquerque

During today’s meeting, a regimental question was raised regarding whether President Albuquerque could respond in writing during the hearings, similar to procedures in Parliamentary Inquiry Committees. Additionally, the JPP presented a request for an opinion directed to the Assembly, which was rejected by PSD and CDS-PP deputies.

In light of this, the PSD has formally requested that questions for the Regional President be submitted within 48 hours after the last witness is heard, as noted by Deputy Lina Pereira.

Legislative Proposals

The Committee on Health and Civil Protection has also forwarded to the plenary the Resolution Project from CDS/PP which recommends that the Republic increase aerial resources for the Civil Protection of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Furthermore, the PSD has proposed a draft law titled ‘For the accountability of the State in the allocation of aerial resources for combating rural fires and land search and rescue throughout the year in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.’