Machico PSD opposes 1% IRS refund proposal

The PSD opposition in the Machico Municipal Council is advocating for the municipality to return the full 5% of the variable IRS (Personal Income Tax) participation to local families in 2027. This proposal, which aims to provide direct relief to households facing economic difficulties, was recently rejected by the Socialist majority.

The Socialist-led executive has proposed returning only 1% of the tax portion. PSD representatives, including Luís Ferreira, argued that the 1% option is insufficient given current economic pressures. The opposition noted that they had initially proposed a 2.5% return but increased their demand to 5% to better support household budgets.

The PSD has also criticized the council's spending priorities, questioning why funds are allocated to projects such as commemorative plaques in Praça do Fórum—costing approximately 28,000 euros—and subsidies for external entities while families struggle with essential expenses.