The Regional Government of Madeira regulates maximum fuel prices through Order No. 25/2022, of 26 January, which was subsequently amended by joint orders and ordinances from the Regional Secretariats for the Economy and Finance. The article recalls that even during Alberto João Jardim's presidency, similar mechanisms existed to curb excessive price increases, demonstrating that the Region has room to act when there is political will.
On the Portuguese mainland, fuel has crossed the €2 per litre barrier, and the author anticipates that these increases will be replicated in Madeira within days, worsening the situation for local families and businesses. The article questions the Regional Executive's lack of real interest in easing this burden on fuel.
The author also criticises the use of EU funds from the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) on questionable priorities, such as the construction of golf courses, while the executive refuses to lower margins and the tax burden on fuel. The same situation is repeated with regard to essential goods, since under Regional Legislative Decree No. 6/2024/M, the Region has the authority to ease VAT rates, but prefers to keep revenue at maximum levels.
The article ends with a rhetorical question about how a government that has never demonstrated the ability to manage public resources with rigour can be capable of governing the future of the Region with justice. It also includes a reference to a satirical song from the "Madeira. Tão Tua" channel that criticises regional management.
