It hasn’t been the best day for the President of Madeira; the landslide victory didn’t turn out to be as overwhelming as he had hoped. Chega is already threatening to seize documents and investigate potential wrongdoings, and comments made during a visit to Ribeira Brava have certainly backfired.
The councilor elected by Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) to the Funchal City Council, Fátima Aveiro, criticised what she classifies as a “vile and inadmissible attack” by Miguel Albuquerque on social workers. At issue are the statements made by the President of the Regional Government this morning, in Ribeira Brava, in which he stated that “the decision centres are not for social workers.”
In a note issued, Fátima Aveiro considers the statements of the PSD leader Madeira “deeply offensive and revealing a worrying lack of democratic respect.” For the newly elected Mayor, the statements represent a “vile and inadmissible” attack on the dignity of a professional class that, according to her, performs functions with “competence, technical knowledge and practical experience,” being recognised and valued by society.
“It’s as if a social worker, compared to a physical education teacher or a psychologist, or any other professional, has no dignity or capacity to serve the community or even to stand for elections,” reacts the JPP representative.
The councilwoman is surprised by Albuquerque’s statements, recalling that, in the past, the President of the Government would have publicly praised her work and leadership capacity in the social area. “Fortunately, the people decide, because if it were the President of the Government, we already know with what criteria these choices would be made,” she said.
Fátima Aveiro took the opportunity to criticise Miguel Albuquerque’s leadership, suggesting that he should look inside his own political house and at himself, to evaluate the profile and conduct of some of those he chooses to represent his party, and his own example.
The councillor argued that democracy is not built on arrogance or disregard, but with respect, competence, and service to people, adding that Madeirans know how to distinguish who is in politics to serve from who uses power.
Interestingly, this morning, a JM publication shows that 38 women will hold positions in local government bodies: 2 Mayors, 24 councillors, 3 municipality presidents, and 9 city council presidents. A sizable number in what is still seen as a very male-dominated sector.
Further notes suggest that the smaller political parties struggle significantly in attracting voters within the political arena, with seven parties receiving less than a thousand votes in last Sunday’s elections.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
