The Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, stated that the country "is suffering today the consequences of decades of underinvestment" in security forces. During the commemoration of the 148th anniversary of the PSP Madeira Regional Command in Câmara de Lobos, the minister acknowledged that the conditions found in the police stations visited on the island "are not compatible with the mission" of the officers.
Luís Neves assured that the Government is "totally in solidarity with all local authorities," considering their "requests legitimate." The minister referred to the police facilities visited in Ponta do Sol, Santa Cruz, and Machico, emphasizing that "what was lost over decades cannot be recovered in a day." The recovery of working conditions was assumed as one of the challenges of his term.
Addressing the increase in general crime, the minister attributed it to "police activity itself," highlighting the capabilities of Portuguese professionals. The intervention focused on the need to strengthen resources, police presence, and recover investment in infrastructure and equipment.
