The President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Rubina Leal, met on Wednesday with the President of the Portuguese Competition Authority, Nuno Cunha Rodrigues, to discuss issues affecting the mobility of residents in Madeira and Porto Santo, with particular emphasis on air travel and the territorial continuity scheme.
During the meeting, Rubina Leal highlighted the impact of rising air fares on families in the Autonomous Region, arguing that mobility is a fundamental right for island communities and should be guaranteed under fair and equitable conditions.
Discussions also focused on the operation of the territorial continuity mechanism, which is intended to help offset the additional costs faced by residents travelling between the islands and mainland Portugal.
The two officials also addressed the role of competition in the aviation sector, agreeing that effective market competition is essential to encourage efficiency, promote fair pricing and strengthen consumer protection.
They further underlined the importance of continued institutional cooperation on issues relating to competition policy, market transparency and the protection of citizens’ interests, while recognising the Competition Authority’s technical role in supporting legislation and informing public policy.
The meeting comes amid ongoing concern in Madeira over the cost of air travel and debate over whether the current territorial continuity scheme provides sufficient protection for residents facing rising ticket prices.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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