The Regional Secretary of Finance, Duarte Freitas, presented the legislative decree proposal establishing the multi-year budget programming framework for 2026-2030 to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira. This diploma sets expenditure limits for the Regional Public Administration amidst a challenging international context of geopolitical and economic instability.
Freitas emphasized that the regional budget strategy is prudent, aimed at economic stability, public finance sustainability, and strengthening social cohesion. He noted the Region's positive primary surplus in 2025 (3.2% of GDP) and a public debt ratio of 60.2% of GDP at the end of 2025, below the national average. The gross debt of the Regional Public Administration decreased by 92.8 million euros in 2025.
For 2026, the projected consolidated expenditure is 2,871.8 million euros, with 51.8% allocated to the economic sector, including 351 million for the Recovery and Resilience Programme (PRR). Health and Education will account for 93.2% of social expenditure, with 56.8 million euros dedicated to Social Inclusion and Poverty Combat. PRR projects and Madeira 2030 aim to bolster the Regional Health Service, climate transition, and economic digitalization.
