Canon Manuel Martins, currently on sick leave, has raised concerns about how wealth generated in Madeira is being distributed. In a reflection shared on social media, he pointed to the persistence of poverty, housing difficulties, and the erosion of purchasing power for many families, despite the region's economic progress.
Referencing recent data, the priest noted that approximately 53,000 Madeirans, or 20.5% of the population, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, a rate higher than the national average. He also highlighted that 23.5% of the population lives in overcrowded housing, and 19.7% struggle to adequately heat their homes.
Martins questions the value of a prosperous economy if a significant portion of residents lack access to decent housing, adequate food, and financial security. He advocates for a debate that focuses not only on economic growth but also on the equitable distribution of wealth and its social consequences.
