The presidential candidate supported by the PCP highlighted his involvement in the 2004 constitutional revision during his tenure as a communist deputy, emphasizing that “there are aspects of regional autonomy that, particularly in Madeira, have not been utilized.”
“I personally do not advocate for a constitutional revision in this matter because the 2004 solutions currently in effect were adequate,” he stated during a meeting with workers at the Funchal Solid Waste Transfer and Sorting Station.
António Filipe believes that a point warranting reflection concerns the Regional Finance Law regarding stability.
“I think there should be stability concerning the legal framework applicable to the financial relations between the State and the autonomous regions to prevent them from being subject to an annual, situational discussion based on the current government of the Republic and the regional government,” he noted.
“I believe financial stability should be ensured, and I even support that the regional finance law could have enhanced value,” he emphasized, adding that he will not propose “a constitutional revision solely to address this issue.”
On the Statute of Political and Administrative Autonomy of Madeira, he noted that it is an initiative of the Regional Legislative Assembly, and neither the President of the Republic nor the national parliament can initiate changes in this regard.
António Filipe is concluding a two-day visit to the autonomous region, during which he engaged with the community, trade unions, and workers. He also conveyed his regards to the speaker of the insular parliament, Rubina Leal, and the representative of the Republic for Madeira, Ireneu Barreto, on Monday.
The candidate pointed out that the workers of Madeira face similar challenges as those on the mainland, such as low wages and job insecurity, but encounter an additional difficulty with living costs due to insularity.
“For example, it’s more difficult to find a house to rent or afford a property purchase in the autonomous region of Madeira due to the region’s characteristics, its tourism-driven nature, and geography, posing particular challenges,” he remarked.
António Filipe also criticized the labor legislation changes proposed by the Republic’s government as “unfavorable to workers,” as they liberalize dismissals and hinder the right to strike, describing himself as “the candidate of the workers.”
