JPP Says 2026 Budget Favors PSD/CDS Over Madeira Residents
Paulo Alves, deputy of the JPP, stated today, that the proposed 2026 budget is not suppoted by its party.
(The 2026 budget) is aligned with the political goals of PSD and possibly with some suggestions from CDS. This is not a budget supported by JPP.
He criticized the plan for prioritizing party interests over the needs of Madeira's population, claiming it spends a lot to produce little and for the few.
Budget Allocates €60,000 Every Day for Golf Courses
The JPP highlighted that the budget plans to spend the staggering amount of €22.7 million on golf courses, equivalent to €60,000 per day. Alves said this spending overlooks urgent local needs:
A government that lives thinking about golf in Porto Santo and forgets the real problems arising on the island.
But that is not all. Additional costs include €10 million to construct a lagoon in Ponta do Pargo to supply water to the Ponta do Pargo golf course.
A budget that prioritizes building golf courses before constructing homes or addressing gaps in healthcare. A budget that will make taxpayers pay, in 2026, a total of €22.7 million for golf courses, which is more than €60,000 per day.
Cuts in Health and Housing Contrast with Luxury Tourism Spending
Alves also pointed to reductions in healthcare and housing investment. The JPP argues that public funds should prioritize social services rather than luxury tourism. “It invests in golf for wealthy tourists, not for the Madeirans,” he said, noting that more than 53,000 people in the region are at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
PS Madeira: The Region Is Rich but Keeps its Population Poor
Paulo Cafôfo (PS Madeira), also criticized the PSD’s management in Madeira, stating that the region is rich but keeps its population poor. He highlighted the high risk of poverty, low average wages, inflation higher than in mainland Portugal and the Azores, and some of the highest housing prices in the country.
Despite Madeira recording budget surpluses of €200 million in 2024 and €215 million this year, with most revenue coming from taxes, the government plans to cut €50 million from healthcare and €60 million from housing in 2026, prioritizing expenses such as €22 million on golf courses. Cafôfo said the budget reflects abandonment of Madeirans and announced that the Socialist Party will propose amendments.
This budget, more than a technical document, is a mirror reflecting those who give up on the people of Madeira and Porto Santo, and those who stand by them.
Paulo Cafôfo, PS-Madeira
JPP Proposes Measures to Support Citizens and Social Services
Firthermore, the JPP suggested several initiatives for 2026, including:
Establishing the Office of Transparency and Anti-Corruption.
Reducing normal and intermediate VAT rates.
Committing to affordable housing projects with local councils.
Increasing funding for reducing waiting lists in health services.
Raising banana prices for producers and setting a minimum price for sugarcane.
Modernizing the fishing fleet, including a 2 million euro fund for black scabbardfish boats.
Increasing regional allowances for the elderly by 30 euros.
Implementing regular ferry transport between Madeira and mainland Portugal.
Providing risk subsidies for healthcare workers involved with COVID-19 care and addressing delayed payments for surgical recovery programs.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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