# Local governance and political representation in Madeira > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/local-governance-and-political-representation-in-madeira > Updated: 2026-10-04T10:13:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Discussions regarding local governance and political representation in Madeira have focused on gender parity and the necessity of decentralization. In September, female parish councilors met in Porto Moniz to debate ‘Women in Local Power: Legacy, Present and Future’. Participants addressed the complexities of political participation, with leaders noting that only 15.6% of mayors in Portugal are women. Discussions emphasized that gender equality should prioritize competence over quotas and that motherhood should not be viewed as an obstacle to political life. By October, the focus expanded to the structural needs of local authorities. Rubina Leal, President of the Madeira Legislative Assembly, advocated for the reinforcement of local power, arguing that decentralization must include the transfer of resources alongside responsibilities. Leal stated, “We cannot decentralize responsibilities and centralize means,” while highlighting that the unique challenges of insularity must be considered in the relationship between the State and local powers. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-04: Rubina Leal calls for reinforced local power in Madeira Madeira Legislative Assembly President Rubina Leal called for effective decentralization, arguing that local authorities must receive adequate resources to match their transferred responsibilities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rubina-leal-calls-for-reinforced-local-power-in-madeira ### 2026-09-19: Female local leaders debate gender parity in Madeira At a meeting of female local leaders in Madeira, officials debated gender parity, arguing that true equality requires equal opportunity and competence rather than just fulfilling legislative quotas. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/female-local-leaders-debate-gender-parity-in-madeira --- Cite as: Local governance and political representation in Madeira. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/local-governance-and-political-representation-in-madeira