Henrique Gouveia e Melo, candidate for the presidency of the Republic, believes that a maritime passenger connection between Madeira and the mainland is not justified.
“I don’t think a ferry is a necessity,” said the admiral in statements to Antena 1 journalist David Sousa, during a visit to the Sousa Group, Autonomous Gas Unit of Socorridos. Justifying the distance and prohibitive costs that this operation would entail.
Admiral Gouveia e Melo argues that the sea is an element of freedom for Portugal and that whoever does not understand this does not truly understand Portugal’s history or its geostrategic framework.” And a ferry connection between Madeira and the mainland does not fall within this framework.
The candidate for President of the Republic is on a three-day visit to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which includes a trip to Porto Santo.
His visit hasn’t been met with universal hope and joy.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
