Socialist Party Announces Proposal to End Hiking Trail Registration for Residents
The PS-Madeira parliamentary group submitted a legislative proposal today to exempt residents from the current hiking trail slots model. Leaders argue that forcing locals to use the SIMplifica platform to walk in the forest is an unnecessary barrier. The party believes the government's reaction to tourism pressure has unfairly restricted the movement of the local population.
Célia Pessegueiro Notes Residents Account for Only 2% of Trail Traffic
During a visit to the Balcões path, PS leader Célia Pessegueiro pointed to official data showing that with only 2%, residents represent a tiny fraction of people hiking in Madeira. She argued that because locals are not the cause of overcrowding, they should not be subjected to the same administrative obligations as visitors.
“The estimates provided by the Regional Government itself, which indicate that only 2% of users of the routes are from Madeira.” (…) “With such a small percentage of use of these routes by residents, it makes no sense to force all this pre-registration logistics.”
Célia Pessegueiro, dnoticias.pt
Opposition Demands End to Pre-Registration to Restore Spontaneous Access for Locals
The Socialist proposal seeks to simplify trail access by allowing residents to simply show an ID card at checkpoints. Célia Pessegueiro emphasized that nature is a public resource and that residents should be able to visit Madeira hiking spots without planning their trips days in advance.
The Madeirans must be able to freely enjoy access to the pedestrian paths.
Célia Pessegueiro, jm-madeira.pt
Miguel Albuquerque Previously Said, The New Law Will Not Change
“They can contest as much as they want“. On December 22, president Miguel Albuquerque categorically ruled out any retreat in this piece of legislation:
“We will not go back. They can contest as much as they want, but the organization is for the benefit of everyone,” he said, later adding when asked about the possibility of backing down, he simply replied: "No," adding immediately: "Not a chance."
Hikers Protest as Albuquerque Rejects Changes to Trail Acces
Proposed Law Seeks to Separate Local Rights from Regional Tourist Tax Systems
The bill aims to create a clear legal distinction between managing the tourism industry and respecting the rights of citizens. By removing the digital registration requirement, the PS-Madeira wants to ensure that the legislation not treat locals as strangers in their own land.
Sources: DNotícias.pt, JM-Madeira
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