The Mayor of Funchal has responded to a complaint from Confiança, which alleges that apartments owned by the Cortel cooperative—located next to Madeira Shopping—are being used as Local Accommodation (AL) without proper licensing. Miguel Silva Gouveia criticized the municipality for having granted those licenses.
Responding, Cristina Pedra clarified the timeline: Cortel requested a meeting last Thursday; an internal hearing was arranged by Friday and took place over the weekend.
She further clarified that her priority is to confirm whether AL licenses have indeed been issued. She is also investigating whether the listings for these properties on digital platforms display a valid AL registration number, which they do. A response that was quickly scorned by opposition members.
“If that’s not an official AL number, what is it?” pointed out Miguel Silva Gouveia.
Because the hearing occurred over the weekend, Cristina Pedra noted she could not immediately determine if any licenses had been issued by the Câmara under her leadership. However, “as of tomorrow, everything will be clarified,” she assured. “In situations like this, our primary concern is establishing the facts and responding to citizens.”
“Officials are reviewing whether these properties were licensed. We’re also checking whether any issued documents comply with legal requirements.” She said she has read statements by Cortel’s President, João Lucas, who suspects potential document forgery. “If that’s the case,” she added, “we hope he brings evidence to the meeting. We could be facing a police investigation, and we will be fully transparent if fraud allegations arise.”
“But we cannot speculate without seeing all the evidence,” she emphasised to reporters. Cortel’s President requested a meeting with the Chamber’s President, setting a deadline between the 28th of July and the 5th of August. Although the Mayor will be away, the Vice President will meet Cortel’s representative.
“Our initial request is to review all available documents. We want Cortel’s President to share what he knows.” She acknowledged a potential infraction but noted it may not be the City Council’s fault. “We’ll see, and if it’s on the Câmara’s part, we will be held accountable,” she stressed. She also pointed out that the buyer of the apartments could be the infringer. “Entities can purchase these units, and Cortel should know whom they sold to.”
Additionally, she clarified that Funchal City Council does not allocate controlled-cost housing. “Thus, there are public funds involved, and accountability is required. Cortel has to act first. Cooperators should not be companies. This hearing is therefore much welcomed.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
