“We are fully implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and will seek strong collaboration with local governments in the housing sector,” stated the official, emphasizing the government’s intention to maximize the use of funds while simultaneously promoting other housing support measures based on regional budgets.
Pedro Rodrigues made these remarks during the sectoral debate of the Regional Secretariat for Equipment and Infrastructures, the last session in the discussion of the 16th Government of Madeira’s program, formed by a PSD/CDS-PP coalition, which took place at the Legislative Assembly from Tuesday to today.
The document is set to be voted on today at 3:00 PM and is expected to pass due to the absolute majority formed by 23 Social Democratic deputies and one Christian Democrat, out of the 47 who make up the Madeiran parliament.
During the debate, opposition parties primarily focused on the housing issue.
Socialist deputy Vítor Freitas pointed out that housing prices in Madeira are 30% higher than the national average, while salaries are €113 lower, and the inflation rate is the highest. He inquired about the executive’s measures in response to these challenges.
Hugo Nunes, a Chega deputy, remarked that the measures proposed in the Program of the Secretariat for Equipment and Infrastructures are “theoretically very welcome,” but he questioned their “real effectiveness,” especially given that the PRR funds must be utilized by 2026.
The regional secretary affirmed that housing is a “central focus on the agenda of the 16th Regional Government of Madeira,” along with infrastructures, land mobility, and energy.
“We will continue to focus on specific housing support projects and programs for rental assistance that target families in need, without their own housing, or with housing that does not meet basic needs,” he declared, emphasizing that in this sector, “nobody has done better” than the Madeiran executive, led by Social Democrat Miguel Albuquerque since 2015.
Among the projects planned for the 2025-2029 legislative term, Pedro Rodrigues also highlighted the construction and completion of the new Madeira Central and University Hospital and the Porto Santo Local Health Unit, as well as the works at the Golf Course of Ponta do Pargo, in the island’s west.
The emphasis on golf prompted the sole IL deputy, Gonçalo Maia Camelo, to question the secretary about the executive’s involvement in private businesses.
Pedro Rodrigues explained that golf contributes to the development of the tourism sector and is viewed by the Regional Government as an investment.
Additionally, the official announced that the government will continue the upgrade and modernization of all land transport systems, based on the Integrated Strategic Transport Plan and the Action Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility in the region.
“In terms of energy, we will continue to work towards achieving the Action Plan for Sustainable Energy and Climate of Madeira,” he indicated, committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the archipelago by 55% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The PSD/CDS-PP Regional Government resulted from the early elections on March 23.
In addition to the PSD and CDS-PP, the Madeiran parliament includes 11 representatives from the JPP, eight from the PS, three from Chega, and one from IL.
