An analysis of the parliamentary history of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira reveals that motions of censure have been an underused political oversight instrument in the 50 years of Autonomy. Since the establishment of self-governing bodies in 1976, a total of 12 motions of censure have been filed against the Regional Government.
Of these, seven were directed at executives chaired by Alberto João Jardim and five at governments led by Miguel Albuquerque. The first motion dates back to February 1982, presented by the UDP against Jardim's government, but it was not put to a vote. After a long interval, the PCP resumed the use of this instrument in 2008, filing three motions by 2011, all rejected by the PSD's majority. The PS also filed motions in 2012 and 2013, one of which was withdrawn before a vote.
Under Miguel Albuquerque, the PCP filed a motion in 2016 and the PS in 2017, both rejected. In January 2024, following a political crisis, the PS and Chega separately filed two motions, but Albuquerque's resignation rendered the initiatives moot, and they were withdrawn.
