The President of the Regional Government has commented again on the electoral campaign for the Presidency of the Republic, underlining his support for Luís Marques Mendes, who he believes was more direct in relation to the issues of the autonomous regions.
“At the end of a video, Miguel Albquerque touched on the mobility allowance debarcle saying, “it seems that he heard my prayers. What he says and rightly so is what we have said that this diploma is unacceptable, it must be purged of what are unacceptable discriminations against Madeirans.”
“The elections are very particular, because we are not voting for parties, and the function of the President of the Republic is not to govern. Until recently, they discussed government programmes. I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that. He will not do anything because the President of the Republic, in our semi-presidential system, does not govern. When I look for the Presidency of the Republic, I am interested in someone who has experience, ensures stability and knows the Region, so that he is in line with our values and understands Autonomy,” the Madeiran President explained.
Regarding the poll results that left Marques Mendes out of the second round, he assures that he will continue to offer his support.
“I’m not going to vote for candidates based on their looks or the government programmes they present, because no one is actually going to govern. In my view, the candidate who best protects the interests of the region is Dr. Marques Mendes, and I’m not changing my stance,” he emphasised.
Faced with the possibility of having to deal with a socialist or far-right President of the Republic, he refers the issue to the institutional relationship.
“The President, once elected, must have an institutional relationship with the autonomous regions, and that is an issue that we have to resolve. Like another issue, the Representative of the Republic for Madeira. I hope,” says Miguel Albuquerque,” that Ireneu Barreto’s successor is as intelligent, competent and understanding of Madeira and its people. Furthermore, he must be a Madeiran.”
Praising Ireneu Barreto, he said:
“Ireneu Barreto was outstanding in his role. A native of Ponta do Sol and deeply connected to Madeira, he worked on the mainland but always understood the importance of Autonomy and maintained an impeccable institutional relationship with us.” Miguel Albuquerque expressed hope that the next President of the Republic will have the good sense to appoint someone familiar with Madeira’s reality and who won’t come here to confuse.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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