Carlos César and Célia Pessegueiro of the Socialist Party emphasized the need for the Autonomous Regions' Finance Law to be effectively complied with and respected. According to a socialist statement, this measure aims to ensure greater justice for Portuguese citizens residing on the islands.
Carlos César, president of the Socialist Party, highlighted the importance of regional autonomy and stressed that the Regional Finance Law is only truly valuable if it is enforced. He recalled that during his tenure as President of the Azores Regional Government, the Republic's Government invoked budgetary stability laws and the public finance crisis to avoid adhering to this law. César argued for strengthening the Regional Finance Law, making it modifiable only by a two-thirds majority vote during a constitutional revision, to prevent it from being altered annually "by the whims of centralists".
Célia Pessegueiro, president of PS-Madeira, pointed out that deepening autonomy requires adequate conditions and funding for the expenses of residents in the Autonomous Regions. She also criticized the current Republic Government for failing to comply with the Territorial Continuity Mechanism law, which should exempt Madeirans from paying the full cost of air travel, without the need for subsequent reimbursements. Pessegueiro also hopes the new hospital in Madeira will be discussed with the Prime Minister, demanding a state commitment of 50% funding for the third phase of the project.
