The recent news about the intention to increase the regional minimum wage to 1,050 euros are described as political rhetoric maneuvers to disguise the severe social crisis affecting the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The article criticizes Miguel Albuquerque and José Manuel Rodrigues for exchanging conversations about paper targets and promises delayed until 2029, while the daily life of local families degrades, demonstrating, according to the author, the incapacity and lack of real will of political power.
The economic model of the current executive is pointed out as based on maintaining low wages to protect profit margins of privileged economic groups and on protecting a market closed to external competition. Simultaneously, the cost of living reaches unsustainable values, driven by real estate speculation, pressure on essential goods, and unregulated growth of tourism.
The article warns that working in Madeira no longer guarantees basic subsistence, forcing the younger generations and qualified professionals into exodus and forced emigration. The loss of identity, the degradation of quality of life, and the replacement of traditional social fabric are presented as direct consequences of political choices focused on the interests of economic lobbies.
The author concludes by accusing Rodrigues and Albuquerque of practicing "genocide" by forcing Madeirans to abandon the island, which he says is left to lobbies that have destroyed quality of life. Rodrigues is also criticized for living off politics and serving his "masters," with the author warning that the moment when street episodes begin to occur will not be far away.
