Paulo Cafôfo’s Budget Critique
During the closing debate of the 2026 Regional Budget in the Madeira Legislative Assembly, Paulo Cafôfo of the Socialist Party (PS), delivered a sharp critique of the PSD/CDS coalition government and in the end provides him a golf ball and Memofante (MEMOFIX, memory supplement).
Main Points of The Criticism
Misaligned Priorities: Cafôfo argued that despite a 215 million euro budget surplus, the government is cutting funds in essential areas like healthcare, housing, and family support.
Low Execution: He pointed out that budget execution dropped from 48% to 43% between 2022 and 2025, suggesting an inability to turn planned funds into actual solutions for citizens.
Economic Inequality: While the regional GDP grew by nearly 57% nominally between 2021 and 2024, total gross wages only grew by 18.5%, resulting in a real wage increase of only about 2% after inflation.
Failed Policies: The PS leader criticized the government's failed bet on cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin) and its focus on a tourism model that relies on low wages and precarious work.
Golf vs. Housing: While not against golf as a sport, Cafôfo questioned the government's decision to invest public money (such as 1.6 million euros for irrigation at Santo da Serra) into golf courses instead of addressing the housing crisis.
The "Gifts"
At the end of his speech, Cafôfo left two symbolic Christmas gifts for the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque (who was absent from the session):
A golf ball: So the President can "practice" and not miss the mark on the fields where the government is investing.
A box of Memofante (a memory supplement): Because the government seems to have "forgotten" to invest in healthcare, housing, and the people.
The PS confirmed they would not vote in favor of the budget document, describing the current governance as marked by "imposition" and "arrogance."
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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