Political Turmoil in Madeira: Expert Highlights Institutional Failures and Corruption Allegations

Political Decline in Madeira

Political scientist Teresa Ruel has expressed that the political situation in Madeira has been deteriorating since January. She emphasized that the postponement of the vote on the motion of censure against the Regional Government was a "gross violation" of parliamentary rules.

Concerns for Democracy

In statements to the Lusa agency, Ruel stated that the events unfolding in Madeira represent a "disservice to democracy" and a "degradation of political institutions". She pointed out that several members of the Regional Government are facing legal issues, and the Legislative Assembly has committed a "gross violation" of its own rules.

Corruption Investigations

Since January, when Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Government of Madeira, became a suspect in a corruption investigation, the political climate has worsened, and the functioning of institutions has been marked by irregularities. Ruel noted that this situation has led to early elections in May and ongoing political instability.

Minority Government Challenges

Following the latest elections, the Social Democrats lost their absolute majority in the Legislative Assembly for the first time in the democratic era. Ruel highlighted the difficulty faced by the minority government led by PSD in finding broader consensus. Although some parties have supported the Government's Program and Budget, criticism and instability have persisted.

Legal Troubles and Forest Fires

The designation of four regional secretaries as suspects in various legal cases, along with criticism regarding the management of a major forest fire in August, has exacerbated an already fragile situation.

Motion of Censure

The motion of censure proposed by Chega on November 6 is seen by Ruel as a culmination of numerous events. Recently, the Madeira parliament approved a request to delay the debate on this motion until after the Budget for 2025, despite the clear rules stating it should be voted on within eight working days after its presentation.

Procedural Confusion

Ruel pointed out the deliberate confusion regarding the procedural functioning of institutions, questioning how the Assembly can debate a Regional Budget while knowing that a censure motion is pending.

Future Implications

She warned that if the court rules in favor of Chega, which plans to contest the motion's postponement, all actions taken afterward, including the Budget, could be called into question. Ruel reiterated that the violation of procedural rules has effectively blocked the functioning of democracy in Madeira.

Electoral Legitimacy vs. Corruption

Regarding Albuquerque's claims of legitimacy due to recent electoral wins, Ruel emphasized that while elections are necessary for democracy, they are not sufficient, particularly in light of corruption scandals that typically lead to the downfall of governments elsewhere, though not in Madeira.

Potential Outcomes

If voting intentions are confirmed, the motion is likely to pass with support from PS, JPP, Chega, and IL, who together hold an absolute majority. The approval of the motion would require the resignation of the Regional Government until a new team is appointed.