A commemorative session for the Opening of the 1st Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, held in the Noble Hall of the Regional Government Palace, paid tribute to the founders of Madeiran Autonomy and reflected on contemporary democratic challenges.
Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque highlighted the "indomitable will to be free" that has guided peoples in their pursuit of decision-making freedom. He emphasized pluralistic democracy and Parliament as fundamental pillars of the autonomous regime, but warned that democracy is under pressure and attack in various parts of the world.
Albuquerque stressed that "Madeira's autonomy will only remain viable if the people of Madeira and Porto Santo wish to defend it," rejecting the idea of a "Don Sebastião" to solve difficulties and criticizing emotional manipulation through social media.
Earlier, João Cunha e Silva, president of the Mission Structure for the 50 Years of Autonomy, recalled the early days of the regime and thanked the work of the first deputies. The President of the Assembly, Rubina Leal, also highlighted the importance of this "moment of gratitude" and the need to remember that democracy requires vigilance.
