Political Shake-Up in Madeira: Elections Scheduled for March 23rd!

Upcoming Regional Elections in Madeira

After a crucial meeting with the Council of State to address the political crisis in Madeira, the President of the Republic has called for Regional Legislative Elections on March 23rd.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, it was explained that the Council of State, convened at the Palácio de Belém, approved the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

"The President of the Republic decided, after consulting the political parties represented and the opinion of the Council of State, to dissolve the Legislative Assembly and schedule elections for March 23, 2025."
Presidency of the Republic

This marks the second time that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has dissolved the Madeira parliament; the previous dissolution occurred in March of last year, following the resignation of Miguel Albuquerque from the regional executive, which led to early elections on May 26, without a majority government solution.

The PSD and CDS-PP formed a parliamentary agreement but lacked an absolute majority.

On December 17 of last year, the Legislative Assembly of Madeira approved a motion of censure against the minority government led by PSD’s Miguel Albuquerque, presented by Chega, with support from all opposition parties.

According to Article 133, paragraph j) of the Constitution, the President of the Republic can dissolve the legislative assemblies of autonomous regions after consulting the Council of State and the parties represented.

Today, the President met with the Council of State after hearing from the parties in the Regional Legislative Assembly on January 7, all of whom unanimously supported the dissolution of the regional parliament and the calling of new early elections.

The residents of Madeira will be voting for the 15th time for the Regional Legislative Assembly.