Madeira Legislative Assembly debates poverty, tax cuts, and healthcare access

The Madeira Legislative Assembly has addressed several pressing socio-economic issues. A solidarity vote proposed by the Socialist Party (PS) regarding residents at risk of poverty and social exclusion sparked debate among deputies. While some members emphasized the need for concrete actions over parliamentary gestures, others defended regional economic indicators.

In fiscal matters, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) announced that the Regional Government will implement a reduction in IRS (income tax) to match recent national decreases. This measure, costing approximately 5.6 million euros, aims to increase the disposable income of families in Madeira and Porto Santo, with retroactive effects applied to 2026.

Additionally, the Socialist Party has requested clarifications from the Regional Secretary for Health regarding potential difficulties in accessing oncology treatments. This follows concerns from ADSE beneficiaries about updated medication tables and the impact on patients who frequently travel to mainland Portugal for specialized care.