The cost of freight to the island, along with loading and unloading goods at the Caniçal port, is notably high. “It is more expensive to unload goods at the Madeira port than at any port on the mainland,” stated the party leader during an interview related to the May 18 legislative elections.
Raquel Coelho, representing the Madeira constituency, the sole circle contested by the PTP, proposed that “the state could operate a ship for the connection” and suggested leveraging Canadian ships bound for Spain to “establish partnerships to ensure connections as had been done in the past.”
The PTP president argued for cheaper imports of goods and essentials to Madeira, suggesting that an improved freight service would lead to reduced prices in the autonomous region.
Addressing the issue of insularity, the party calls for the creation of a compensation fund to bridge the gap between the mainland and the islanders.
“We are advocating for the enforcement of the principle of territorial continuity, a constitutional right that requires autonomous regions and islands, particularly, to not be isolated from the mainland and to have alternatives to air travel,” she explained.
Raquel Coelho, daughter of former PTP president José Manuel Coelho, also addressed corruption in Madeira, where the PSD has been in power for 50 years.
“The existing media outlets, particularly print media, are controlled by the two largest economic groups in Madeira, which have strong ties with the regional government and need the PSD to remain in power to maintain their hegemony and continue their business dealings,” she claimed.
On housing, the labor leader emphasized that residents of Madeira are unable to buy or rent homes, urging for state intervention, particularly in constructing more housing options.
