Miguel Albuquerque has dismissed Pedro Calado’s criticism of how Madeira’s growing wealth is reaching families, insisting that the Regional Government will maintain its current course.
Responding to comments highlighted in DIÁRIO’s Sunday edition, the President of the Regional Government said Calado was entitled to express his views, but that the government had a clear direction and would not change its policies in response.
Speaking on TSF-Madeira’s Debate of the Week, Calado questioned where the wealth generated by the region’s economic growth was going. He pointed out that despite an expanding economy, more businesses, and technological development, many residents still struggled with everyday expenses and access to housing. A shortage of available homes and high rents remained particular concerns.
Albuquerque said the government was finalising a €175 million housing investment across several municipalities and that building affordable homes remained a priority.
“We will continue to advance Madeira’s main priority at the moment: the construction of affordable housing for families,” he said.
However, he argued that this work should not undermine the property market, which he described as an important part of Madeira’s economy because it generates jobs and business for local companies and suppliers.
He also defended local accommodation, saying it had brought substantial benefits to municipalities and parishes and provided income for many families. Housing policy, he maintained, should not jeopardise that activity.
Asked again about the criticism from Calado, a former Vice-President of the Regional Government, Albuquerque reiterated that the executive would pursue its programme.
“We have a government, we have a mandate to fulfil, we have political and social stability,” he said.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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