The Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party expressed its dissatisfaction with the rejection, in the Assembly of the Republic, of a bill presented by MP Filipe Sousa. The proposal aimed to alter the territorial continuity mechanism so that Madeirans would not have to pay the full airfare upfront, and it established concrete steps to resume regular sea travel between Madeira and the mainland.
The JPP deemed the 'no' vote from the PSD and the abstention from Chega "politically unacceptable," given the affirmative votes from PS, Livre, PCP, BE, PAN, and JPP itself. According to the party, bill no. 785/XVII/2.ª sought to address two important regional demands: the establishment of a regular sea link and the modification of the air travel reimbursement model.
Filipe Sousa questioned the stance of the PSD deputies elected for Madeira, demanding explanations for voting against a proposal intended to solve problems directly affecting the population. The MP criticized how easily autonomy and respect for island status are discussed in Madeira, contrasting it with the difficulty of maintaining that position in Lisbon during votes.
