The Nova Direita party publicly voiced its displeasure regarding the cancellation of the 2026 Wine Festival in Porto da Cruz. The Casa do Povo announced that the event will not proceed due to a lack of funds.
According to the party, the event was registered in the Tourism Delegation's calendar since November 2025, with an allocated budget of 14,000 euros, the destination of which is now questioned. Nova Direita believes the organization should not solely rely on the Casa do Povo but should also involve the Parish Council and the Machico Municipal Chamber.
Regional coordinator Paulo Azevedo argues that the parish has sufficient local resources to host the event without costly external hires. The party views the cancellation as a "lack of consideration" for the local population, visitors, and agricultural producers, requesting clarification on the allocated funds and suggesting the evaluation of alternative tourism promotion models.
