JPP Accuses PSD of Blocking Ministerial Hearing on Madeira’s Cancelled Firefighting Helicopter
The sole deputy of Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) in the Assembly of the Republic has denounced what he calls a “blockade by the PSD” to prevent a parliamentary hearing with the Minister of Internal Affairs regarding the cancellation of a second firefighting helicopter for Madeira.
Speaking to the Lusa agency, Filipe Sousa explained that he had submitted an urgent request for Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral to appear before parliament, given that both Madeira and much of Europe are highly vulnerable to forest fires during the summer months.
According to Sousa, the PSD was the only party to vote against this immediate hearing during the Conference of Leaders. As a result, the hearing has been postponed until September, after the fire season has passed.
“This was the right time for the minister to clarify what has and hasn’t happened, not at the end of the fire season,” Fillipe Sousa stated.
He said the request, submitted about a week ago, aimed to clarify why Madeira had been excluded from the national aerial firefighting plan.
In a statement, the JPP deputy accused the PSD of showing unacceptable disrespect to the people of Madeira, who continue to face the danger of wildfires with limited resources and unfulfilled promises. He described the PSD’s stance as shameful political obstruction and sabotage concerning the second helicopter meant to reinforce the Regional Civil Protection Service.
The second helicopter was promised following the August 2024 fires and was publicly announced and politically endorsed by both the regional government alliance and the national coalition government (PSD/CDS), Sousa noted.
He also criticized the silence of PSD deputies elected by Madeira, saying they failed to demand accountability when the helicopter’s deployment was delayed, and remained silent even after their party blocked the minister’s appearance in parliament.
“This reveals that their narrative is purely about winning votes, but falls apart when it comes to actual political accountability.” The JPP representative commented sourly.
He further condemned what he called the PSD’s submissive stance toward Lisbon’s centralism, stressing that during the last election campaign, the party assured Madeirans that the second helicopter was secured and would be operational from the 1st of July.
“JPP refuses to condone this political hypocrisy. What’s at stake here is the protection of human life, property, our forest heritage, and respect for Madeirans,” he said. “Whoever blocks political scrutiny protects error and perpetuates impunity. The PSD has betrayed Madeira once again, and the people have a right to know why.”
The second aerial firefighting unit, to be funded by the State, was originally scheduled to become operational on the 1st of July. However, the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque (PSD/CDS), later stated that the process was delayed due to the early legislative elections and the formation of a new national government.
On the 21st of July, Albuquerque explained that the second helicopter was subject to a public tender. Just days later, on the 25th, he announced that the tender, launched by the national government, had received no bids, and it was therefore unlikely that a second aerial resource would be available this year.
Madeira has had one permanent aerial firefighting resource since 2018, operated by the Regional Civil Protection Service. In addition to firefighting, this helicopter is also used for rescue operations and is funded by the regional budget.
