Iniciativa Liberal (IL) believes the Black Scabbardfish Gastronomic Festival in Câmara de Lobos should be an opportunity to discuss the sector's future.
The party argues that celebrating the fish's importance to Madeira's maritime economy and hundreds of families requires addressing sector issues, such as an aging fleet and the Regional Government's failure to deliver promised renewal support.
IL points out that despite the announcement of five million euros for fleet modernization and improved safety for fishermen, the Executive has not provided concrete solutions. The party questions how much of the announced funds has actually reached fishermen, noting that application calls in 2024 and 2025 resulted in zero approvals.
Iniciativa Liberal rejects blaming European rules or the Republic's Government for the lack of results, asserting that managing the fishing sector demands greater competence, foresight, and negotiation skills from the regional government.
