Madeira PS leader criticizes government over poverty data denial

Célia Pessegueiro, president of PS-Madeira, has criticized Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque for dismissing poverty statistics in the Madeira region. The criticism follows a report from the European Anti-Poverty Network, which indicates that one in five residents in Madeira is at risk of poverty.

Pessegueiro argued that failing to acknowledge this reality prevents effective policy action. She highlighted a contradiction in the government's stance, noting that while the administration recently reinforced the PROAGES program with 2 million euros to support approximately 5,000 vulnerable families, it simultaneously denies the existence of widespread poverty and inequality.