“In 2026, we really have to celebrate the 50 years of autonomy with the importance it deserves. Celebrate here in this Assembly, in the Azores, but also in Lisbon, especially in Lisbon,” he stated.
Aguiar-Branco spoke during the formal welcome session for the president of the Assembly of the Republic and the opening of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (which will be celebrated in 2026), held in the grand hall of the Regional Legislative Assembly in Funchal.
The president of the Assembly of the Republic emphasized that it “makes perfect sense” to conduct joint initiatives throughout the next year in the Assembly of the Republic, in coordination with the parliaments of Madeira and the Azores, dedicated to autonomy.
“The worst mistake we could make would be to treat autonomy merely as a regional festivity. It cannot be; we need to bring autonomy to the political center of the country, not only in a celebratory sense but also as a memory for everyone,” he stressed.
Aguiar-Branco added that it is necessary “to remember what it cost, how it was built, what elements succeeded and which were overcome.”
“Not that we are looking for heroes from this or that party, although they exist, but with the perspective that autonomy was not given; it was conquered and needs, just like democracy, to be ensured every day,” he added.
“It is a public service act to remind everyone, including the 230 deputies of the current Assembly of the Republic, of the importance of the regions’ autonomy,” he reinforced.
Previously, the president of the parliament of Madeira, Rubina Leal, argued that regional autonomy cannot remain frozen in time and must be deepened through “constant and loyal” dialogue with the Republic.
The session was attended by various Madeiran authorities, including regional deputies and the former president of the regional executive, Alberto João Jardim.
The Regional Government, led by Miguel Albuquerque, did not attend the ceremony, despite being invited.
Rubina Leal later told journalists that the Madeiran executive will participate in other initiatives organized by the president of the Assembly of the Republic.
Aguiar-Branco arrived at Madeira International Airport on Sunday night, greeted by the representative of the Republic for Madeira, Ireneu Barreto. He has scheduled visits and meetings with various entities today and Tuesday, including the counselor judge and the president of the Regional Government of Madeira.
