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Politics · Funchal · 20 July 2026

Chega Accuses Luís Montenegro's Government of Abandoning Madeira's Fishermen

Chega MP Francisco Gomes criticized national fisheries management, alleging the Madeiran sector faces increasing fragility.

Chega Accuses Luís Montenegro's Government of Abandoning Madeira's Fishermen

Chega (CH) Member of Parliament Francisco Gomes accused the government led by Luís Montenegro of failing to defend the interests of Madeiran fishermen. According to Gomes, the fishing sector is facing growing fragility due to national fisheries management.

During a visit to the Caniçal fish market, the MP highlighted five main problems: reduced tuna catch quotas, lack of fleet renewal, limits on daily landings, alleged reprisals against fishermen, and equipment failures at the fish markets. Gomes advocated for greater negotiating power for the Portuguese state with international bodies and criticized the government's actions with ICCAT and European institutions.

Chega's demands include the creation of specific quotas for autonomous regions, considering the artisanal nature of Madeiran fishing, and opening the Savage Islands to tuna fishing. The party pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for measures to ensure the sustainability of fishing activities in the region.

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