Merry Christmas!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a positive, steady start to the New Year ahead!
Madeira’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio Now at 61.2%
Madeira’s debt burden has steadily declined since 2012, falling 19.8%, with the region’s debt-to-GDP ratio now at 61.2% - considerably below Portugal’s 97.6%.
Hikers Protest as Albuquerque Rejects Changes to Trail Access
Hikers in Madeira protest new access limits on all percursos pedestres, but President Albuquerque insists he will not reverse the legislation, saying: "they can contest as much as they want".
High Prices Affect Christmas Sales at Mercado dos Lavradores
A busy market and cautious spending amid high prices are shaping Christmas shopping at Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores.
Street Vendors Face a Tough Season Selling Christmas Pines
Street vendors in Funchal say Christmas pine sales are slowing, as higher costs and changing habits reduce demand for traditional greenery.
Mask Use Now Mandatory in Madeira’s Public Health Units
Madeira has strengthened health rules as flu cases rise and social contact increases during Christmas, making masks mandatory in all public health units.
Madeira Considers Emergency Aid for Farmers After Storm EmĂlia
The government is reviewing whether farmers affected by Storm EmĂlia qualify for emergency financial support after widespread damage.
TAP Increases Flights Between Funchal and Porto by Almost 30%
TAP Air Portugal announced it will raise weekly flights between Porto and Funchal from 14 to 18 starting spring 2026.
Immigrants Pay Five Times More Social Security Than They Claim
Foreign workers in Portugal contribute €3.1 billion to Social Security while receiving only €600 million, confirming their essential role in sustaining the Portuguese welfare state.
Presidential Candidate LuĂs Marques Mendes Visits Madeira
Presidential candidate LuĂs Marques Mendes visited Madeira today, engaging with citizens and outlining key aspects of his PSD-backed candidacy.
PS Gifts Albuquerque a Golf Ball and Memory Drug
In the Madeiran parliament today, the most cutting critique wasn’t a speech, but two memorable gifts. Paulo Cafôfo of PS Madeira greeted President Albuquerque’s 2026 budget not with applause, but with a golf ball and a box of MEMOFIX.
