JPP Youth leader urges President to address Madeira mobility issues

Jéssica Teles, leader of the Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) Youth, has called on the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, to address the distinct challenges faced by young people in Madeira compared to mainland Portugal.

During a national hearing focused on territorial cohesion and retaining youth in Portugal's interior, Teles argued that national youth policies must account for insularity. She highlighted that for Madeiran youth, mobility for education or work involves significant ocean-crossing costs that mainland residents do not face.

Teles criticized the current Territorial Continuity Mechanism, noting that residents must pay for travel upfront and wait for reimbursements. She advocated for fixed tariffs of 79 euros for residents and 59 euros for students, pointing out that some August trips between Madeira and the mainland can exceed 600 euros.