Cafôfo Accepts Responsibility After Election Outcome Falls Below Expectations: My Time as a Leader Ends Today
Paulo Cafôfo, leader of the Socialist Party (PS) in Madeira, announced on Sunday night that he is resigning after the party’s weaker-than-expected results in the local elections. Speaking in Funchal, he said, “My time as leader ends today,” taking full responsibility for the outcome.
Cafôfo stressed that the message from Madeiran voters must be heard clearly. Although the PS did not achieve its goals, it remained the second party with the most municipalities won, behind the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
Loss of Câmara de Lobos Seen as a Key Setback for the Socialists
Cafôfo expressed regret over the defeat of Célia Pessegueiro in Câmara de Lobos, where she had served as mayor for eight years. His party’s share of the vote fell sharply, from 17.31% in 2021 to just 7.01% in today’s elections.
We deeply regret this loss, but we must accept the people’s decision with humility
Paulo Cafôfo. JM-Madeira
The municipality had been one of the PS’s key local victories since 2017, and losing it symbolized the broader difficulties the party faced in this election.
Leadership Term Ends as Planned; Internal Elections to Be Held Within 15 Days
The outgoing leader reminded that he had always planned to lead the party only until these elections. With the process now complete, he confirmed that his mandate is over. Cafôfo said he will begin the procedures for internal elections and the next party congress, suggesting that PS-Madeira’s governing bodies meet within 15 days.
If I had left earlier, I believe it would have weakened the party even more
Paulo Cafôfo. JM-Madeira
Cafôfo Urges Calm Transition and Reaffirms His Commitment to Madeira
Asked about possible successors such as Célia Pessegueiro or former Funchal mayor Miguel Silva Gouveia, Cafôfo declined to speculate, saying that leadership choices “are personal decisions.” He added that the party “has capable members to rebuild it.” He emphasized that his departure was carefully planned to allow a calm transition. “If I had left earlier, I believe it would have weakened the party even more,” he said.
Source: JM-Madeira
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