Juntos Pelo Povo criticizes seven-month wait for meeting with President

Élvio Sousa, Secretary-General of the Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party, has criticized the lack of response to a formal request for an audience with the President of the Republic. The request, submitted seven months ago, aimed to discuss critical issues affecting Portugal's Autonomous Regions.

Sousa expressed concern that the silence from the presidency reflects a disregard for regional problems in favor of central interests in Lisbon. Key issues raised by the party include the high cost of living, inflation rates of 4.6%, high VAT, and tax burdens.

Additionally, the JPP highlighted difficulties regarding air travel between Madeira and mainland Portugal, specifically criticizing the bureaucracy and technical issues within the flight reimbursement system. The party also advocates for a constitutional reflection on autonomy, supporting the removal of the unitary state concept.