Summary:
Third regional election in Madeira in just over a year due to political turmoil.
Historic motion of censure led to the fall of the government for the first time in five decades.
Former mayor Pedro Calado and others arrested during a major police operation investigating corruption.
New elections called after the government was dissolved by the President of the Republic.
Overview of Madeira's Political Crisis
Ten months after the last regional election, Madeirans will head to the polls again this Sunday to select a new government and regional parliament. This marks the third electoral process in just a year and a half, triggered by a historic motion of censure passed at the end of last year.
The Motion of Censure
On December 17, 2024, the Madeiran Parliament approved a unprecedented motion of censure, marking the first time in five decades of democracy that a regional government fell through this mechanism. The motion, presented by Chega, received support from the entire opposition, totaling 26 votes in favor out of 47 deputies.
Just days prior, on December 9, the opposition had united to reject the regional budget. However, the current political crisis has been ongoing for over a year.
Support and Withdrawal
In the September 24, 2023, elections, the coalition of PSD and CDS won but fell short of the 24 seats needed for a majority, securing only 23 mandates. They subsequently negotiated a parliamentary agreement with PAN, which allowed them to form a government. However, this support was retracted a few months later due to a massive police operation that exposed corruption.
Police Operation and Political Fallout
In January 2024, a major police operation involved over a hundred inspectors investigating corruption, leading to the arrest of key political figures, including the former mayor of Funchal, Pedro Calado. The current President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, was implicated but refused to resign. Following this scandal, PAN withdrew its support, demanding Albuquerque's resignation.
The New Elections
After nine months, the region voted again on May 26, 2024. The PSD won again but with only 21 seats. The four deputies from Chega abstained, allowing the government program to pass.
In November 2024, Chega proposed the motion of censure that ended Albuquerque's government following the rejection of the regional budget.
The Aftermath
The fall of the government prompted the President of the Republic to call a Council of State, leading to the dissolution of the regional parliament and the announcement of new elections. Miguel Albuquerque, who has led since 2015, faces a challenging campaign amid a complex national political landscape.
With over 255,000 registered voters, this election will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Madeira's governance.
Comments
Join Our Community
Create an account to share your thoughts, engage with others, and be part of our growing community.