Miguel Albuquerque has dismissed the investigation into JPP MP Filipe Sousa over an alleged improper benefit as “nonsense” and “hypocrisy,” saying he has no doubts about his political opponent’s honesty.
The president of the Regional Government and leader of PSD-Madeira was speaking during a visit to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, where a new orthopaedic surgery robot was presented.
Albuquerque criticised what he described as a culture of reporting everything to the authorities, arguing that it would ultimately drive people out of politics.
According to Lusa, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has asked the Assembly of the Republic to lift Sousa’s parliamentary immunity as part of an investigation into the alleged undue receipt or offer of an advantage. Sousa disputes the allegation.
The case concerns a car rental agreement with Cassiano’s Rent a Car, Lda, signed on the 10th of February 2025, when Sousa was still mayor of Santa Cruz. The agreement covered 28 days at a total cost of €1,618.96. The vehicle was returned on the 10th of March.
Prosecutors allege that the company’s manager waived the charge solely because Sousa was mayor and because of the functions he exercised. They further allege that Sousa knowingly accepted a financial benefit to which he was not entitled.
According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the alleged offence carries a prison sentence of between one and five years, bringing it within the rules requiring Parliament to lift immunity.
The allegations have not been proven.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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