The PS Member of Parliament in the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Sílvia Sousa Silva, criticized the Regional Government's investment in golf, arguing that the Santo da Serra area, home to the island's first golf course, has not seen economic or demographic benefits.
Silva based her criticism on the 2021 Census, indicating that Santo da Serra lost about 12% of its population in the last two decades and shows significant aging, with 270 elderly individuals for every 100 young people, a figure higher than the regional average. The MP advocates for public funds to be directed towards affordable housing, local services, and the revitalization of traditional sectors.
Conversely, the Regional Government maintains golf as part of Madeira's tourism strategy and has announced plans to expand the Santo da Serra course with nine additional holes, intending to use European funds. The Executive has also highlighted technological investments in the course, such as a sustainable irrigation system.
