“A distinguished lawyer and a figure of unanimous respect in our society, a constant defender of democratic values and civic participation, he always fought, both as a lawyer and in all his public interventions, for the defense of humanistic values in Portugal and particularly in the Autonomous Region of Madeira,” stated the Representative of the Republic, Ireneu Barreto, in a note of condolence.
The judge highlighted that the former socialist president of Madeira, who was 81 years old, passed away during the 50th anniversary of the autonomous regime and noted how Emanuel Jardim Fernandes “contributed with dedication to the consolidation of democracy” in the archipelago.
His participation was “crucial for years, as a deputy elected by the Socialist Party in the Regional Legislative Assembly, the Assembly of the Republic, and the European Parliament, where he always prioritized the interests” of Madeira above party loyalties, he added.
Emanuel Jardim Fernandes’ civic involvement led the then President of the Republic, the socialist Jorge Sampaio, in 2001, to award him the Order of Grand Officer of the Infante D. Henrique.
The Regional Government of Madeira, led by social democrat Miguel Albuquerque, also expressed “the deepest sorrow for the death, today, of Emanuel Jardim Fernandes.”
In a statement, the Madeiran executive (PSD/CDS-PP) recalled that the former deputy led the PS/Madeira for 15 years and was elected to the first Regional Assembly in 1976.
He also served as a Member of the European Parliament (2004-2009) and the Assembly of the Republic (1983-1985 and 1991-1995), a councilor in Funchal Town Hall, and president of the Municipal Assembly of Porto Moniz, the municipality of his origin.
“It is this great personality of politics and the region that the Regional Government and its president wish to honor, also at the time of his death, recalling the dedicated manner in which he defended his convictions and ideals,” noted the Madeiran executive, sending “most respectful condolences” to his family and the PS.
