JPP Secretary-General Élvio Sousa advocated, at the opening of the party's parliamentary days, that there are two paths to achieving a regular sea link between Madeira and the mainland.
The first path is political-institutional, through state funding, and the second is the search for an operational alternative through private operators. Sousa argued that maritime transport should be seen as a right associated with territorial continuity, not as a benefit granted by the state, citing examples of other island regions supported by their respective states.
The JPP leader also highlighted Paulo Melich Farinha's role in defending this cause and mentioned previous contacts with shipping operators who presented economic viability studies. Sousa rejected the idea that the operation was not profitable in the past and argued that the discussion should focus on reducing costs for the population and improving the quality of life for Madeirans, citing a study indicating that 72% of respondents consider the link necessary.
