The PTP-Madeira has publicly rejected statements made by Pedro Calado, former vice-president of the Regional Government, in an interview published by Diário de Notícias on 31 October.
According to the party, the former official argued that parties polling below 5% should be removed from the regional assembly, and linked freedom of expression to licentiousness. PTP leader Raquel Coelho says removing parties without seats from the assemblies disrespects the Madeirans who vote for them.
Coelho added that scrutiny and opposition, wherever they come from, are an essential part of democracy. She also described the interview as revealing a lack of democratic culture in Madeira and within the PSD.