Prosecutor Targets Madeira President in Illegal PSD Financing Inquiry in 2025
Just when many thought that the investigations that began with the Mega Operation in January 2024 had stalled, reports say that the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Madeira is expected to request the lifting of Miguel Albuquerque’s double immunity. That is, as president of the Regional Government and as a member of the Council of State.
The request, according to Correio da Manha, is linked to an investigation into alleged illegal financing of the PSD party, which led to the arrest of several mayors and public officials earlier this year and is linked to the Ab Initio case.
In January 2024, Miguel Albuquerque was named a defendant in another case, suspected of committing eight crimes, including corruption, following a massive Judiciary Police operation that included searches of his home and the Regional Government headquarters and culminated in the arrest of the mayor of Funchal, Pedro Calado.
Expresso, October 24th
However, according to Expresso, the Assembly can not yet confirm that such a request was officially made.
An official source from the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira also assured Expresso that no such request has been received regarding the President of the Regional Government
Expresso, October 24th
President Denies Awareness of Inquiry, Says He is Not Worried
In an interview with RTP Madeira, Albuquerque said he is “not worried” about the potential lifting of his double immunity and claimed that he has no knowledge of the reasons behind the investigation. An excerpt from the interview:
RTP Madeira: Were you informed?
“I wasn’t informed of anything. But does anyone get informed about anything? I don’t even know what is being discussed, I have no idea.”
The issue is whether a request is made to lift immunity, either from the Regional Assembly or the Council of State.
“I don’t know why, but tell me why, because I have no idea, nor did I see the news.”
It’s a ruling from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
“About what? I have nothing to do with that, I have no idea about it. In the past, I’ve said I would always be available to speak, but now… I have no idea. This is a financing matter, and I have no involvement in it.”
Meetings at Quinta Vigia Mentioned in Prosecutor Suspicion
It was reported that the Public Prosecutor’s Office suspects Albuquerque attended at least three meetings where party financing was allegedly discussed for PSD election campaigns. In the interview with RTP Madeira, the president explained, somehow cynically, that he holds around 50 meetings at the residence daily and said he does not manage or handle campaign finances personally.
What Could Happen Next
The request to waive the immunity, once it has been voiced, would need to be approved by the Regional Assembly (for his governmental role) and/or the Council of State. Once approved, the judiciary can act without constitutional obstacles.
Having the double immunity lifted means that the Public Prosecutor’s Office could formally summon him for questioning regarding the alleged illegal financing of the PSD party.
Investigations could proceed without restrictions, including searches, requests for documents, and the collection of witness statements. Prosecutors could file formal charges if there is sufficient evidence
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