JPP announces long-term autonomy agenda for Madeira

Élvio Sousa, Secretary-General of the Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party, has announced the ‘Agenda-Madeira-Autonomia 2027-2047’, a twenty-year development plan for the Madeira region. Speaking at the 5th Festa do Povo, Sousa emphasized the need for a reformist party born in Madeira to break local economic monopolies and reduce the influence of a few powerful families on regional politics.

Sousa criticized the current regional government, led by the PSD and CDS-PP, accusing them of prioritizing luxury interests like golf courses and marinas over the needs of citizens. The JPP platform includes proposals for constitutional revision, a unique fiscal regime, and innovations in agriculture and silvopastoralism.

To address the high cost of living, the party is advocating for a reduction in the 22% VAT rate, increased competition in the supermarket sector, and improved housing availability. Sousa also called for more efficient regional budget management and better wages for workers.