Around 20 Vehicles and Several Dozen People Protest TVDE Suspension
A group of ride-hailing drivers (Bolt, Uber, etc.) demonstrated in Funchal on Friday morning, opposing the recent suspension of new driver registrations announced by Madeira’s Regional Government on September 16. The protest was led by Walter Pereira, delegate of the National Association of the TVDE Movement, and gathered about 20 vehicles and several dozen participants.
This is shameful, what the Regional Government of Madeira did to the TVDE sector
Walter Pereira, Diário de Notícias Madeira
The convoy began at Quinta Vigia, the government headquarters. Pereira said that many drivers had already paid for required training, costing nearly €700, but were now unable to work.
300 Cars Are Licensed While 700 Drivers Are Registered, With 550 Still Active
According to Pereira, official figures often quoted by politicians do not match the real situation. He explained that Madeira has 300 licensed TVDE cars, around 700 registered drivers, but only about 550 of them remain active. From these, roughly 50 drivers joined the protest in Funchal. The demonstration was peaceful, aimed at securing fair working conditions for drivers.
The TVDE sector needs regulation, but it also needs to be heard. The National Association of the TVDE Movement has only one firm voice that defends everyone equally
Walter Pereira, Diário de Notícias Madeira
National and Regional Associations Clash Over How to Defend Drivers’ Interests
The demonstration also revealed a divide between the national and regional associations representing drivers. Pereira criticized unnamed groups for putting their own interests ahead of the profession, an indirect reference to the Regional Association of TVDE Drivers (ARAM-TVDE).
While the national association led Friday’s action, ARAM-TVDE did not join. Its president, Alejandro Abreu, told Diário de Notícias da Madeira that the group had already reached an agreement with the government over renewing drivers’ licenses.
ARAM-TVDE Supports Suspension of New Licenses and Rejects Protests as Disruptive
Abreu defended the government’s decision to halt new applications and said that existing drivers had already seen their permits extended. “ARAM-TVDE is in favor of the suspension of new licenses and the drivers’ guides have already been renewed. Those who protest, looking for confusion and chaos, do not represent the sector in Madeira,” he stated.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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