Madeira's 500 Biggest Companies Grew Sales 7.6% in 2025
Madeira's 500 largest companies raised turnover 7.6% in 2025 to about €4.4 billion, ahead of the regional and national averages, a new study shows.
Madeira's 500 largest companies raised turnover 7.6% in 2025 to about €4.4 billion, ahead of the regional and national averages, a new study shows.
Madeira's active population hit a record 142,900 in the third quarter of 2026, while unemployment fell to 4.0%, one of Portugal's lowest rates.
About 60 people, mostly union members, marched in Funchal against the rising cost of living, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
As Iran sends threats and obstructs the Strait of Hormuz, warnings over rising energy costs and a possible reduction in flights to Madeira are causing growing concern within the regional government.
The Madeira Hotel Union says PSD labour reforms could lead to unpaid work, weaken protections and change dismissal rules, calling them the biggest setback in workers’ rights since 1974.
Nurses in Madeira have recently spoken out, stating that they cannot be held liable for failures in care caused by excessive workloads. Their powerful protest led SESARAM to respond by announcing new hires intended to ease pressure on emergency services.
In 2024, Madeira saw record employment in foreign-owned companies, with 243 firms creating over 5 000 jobs and significant economic impact.
Street vendors in Funchal say Christmas pine sales are slowing, as higher costs and changing habits reduce demand for traditional greenery.
Foreign workers in Portugal contribute €3.1 billion to Social Security while receiving only €600 million, confirming their essential role in sustaining the Portuguese welfare state.
In what is being called the largest general strike in Madeira in years, hundreds of people took to the streets to protest the new labor law.
Horários do Funchal warns travelers that Thursday’s general strike is set to disrupt bus services across its network. Passengers are asked to check official channels for real-time updates on affected routes.