In statements to journalists in Funchal after visiting the Associação Presença Feminina, Catarina Martins, while highlighting the issue of domestic violence, was questioned about her stance on regional autonomy.
The candidate noted that the President of the Republic does not legislate but can “draw attention to what seems obvious.”
“It seems obvious to me that autonomy should be deepened to allow for greater shared responsibility between the Regional Government, the Regional Legislative Assembly, and clearer mechanisms of solidarity between the Republic and the regions,” she stated.
Catarina Martins emphasized the importance of “giving a voice to the autonomous regions concerning their territory and natural resources,” citing territorial waters management as an example.
“I have defended this all my life. As President of the Republic, I will advocate by initiating a discussion about the populations having a say on what is fundamental in their lives,” reinforced the candidate supported by BE.
Catarina Martins also mentioned her work on the “constitutional revision that sought to eliminate the representative of the Republic and introduce new forms of autonomy,” noting that at that time, the Regional Government was absent and this process “unfortunately did not reach its conclusion.”
“The best way for democracy to be effective through accountability and scrutiny is to deepen autonomy, and I am a strong advocate of this policy,” she asserted.
The candidate was also asked about a ferry connection between Madeira and the mainland, considering it to be “a need that is felt and there is no reason for it not to exist.”
“And perhaps, if we focused more on the public interest of the Autonomous Region of Madeira’s population and less on the private interests of some large economic groups, we could have the necessary solutions,” she criticized.
