The President of the Regional Government once again assured reporters this morning, that a set of public contracts “will stop,” including work on the Central and University Hospital of Madeira. Miguel Albuquerque explained to journalists that the holdup is due to the failure to agree on the budget and the fall of his government. With this he said, there will be no miracles, and projects will stall. The new hospital is supported by supported by regional, national, and European funds.
“In May work will stop. We will not be able to launch the last phase of the tender which is in excess of 200 million euros.”
In front of dozens of voters who flocked to the celebration of the Bolo-Rei, Miguel Albuquerque called for the renewal of confidence in the work he has been developing.
“I am confident in the intelligence and common sense of the people of Madeira and Porto Santo, because we need their help to create stability and progress, whether they like me or not!”
The statement has been met with scathing criticism from other parties.
Chega Madeira, led by Miguel Castro, launched harsh criticism of the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, accusing him of resorting to strategies of “blackmail” and “disinformation.”
The party denounces that Albuquerque is manipulating public opinion with false threats of paralysis of public works due to the absence of a Budget for 2025.
In statements made to the press, Miguel Albuquerque said that, without the approval of the budget, some works could be suspended from May, an attitude that Chega considers “arrogant.”
Miguel Castro, stresses that such a stance reveals a profound disrespect for the will of the Madeirans. “Nothing will stop, nor can it stop, and any attempt by the Regional Government to suspend works will be duly evaluated by the Madeirans. This political blackmail is unacceptable!”
Adding to the debate, Paulo Cafôfo (PS-M), issued a press statement accusing the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, of deliberately trying to stop the development of Madeira with the alleged purpose of obtaining electoral dividends.
The president of PS-Madeira reacted, considering Albuquerque’s statements as a form of “sabotage” and “political terrorism” against Madeirans.
The socialist leader assured that contrary to what was stated by the President of the Government, the works on the hospital will not stop, since Madeira is being managed on the basis of twelfths, a system that allows the operation of the budget until the approval of a new proposal.
Cafôfo also accused Miguel Albuquerque of creating a bleak illusion to the population as a way to ensure their political survival. Stating:
“The President of the Government has no shame and no fears of what he is doing to the Madeiran population. He only wants to hang on to power and dodge the justice system.” He then went on to say that he had betrayed the people’s trust and should no longer be supported.
The president of the PS-M recalls that the governmental chaos was accentuated from the moment corruption charges and investigations were levied at the Regional Government.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
