Madeira heads to the polls again this Sunday
The Social Democrats (PSD) has governed Madeira for nearly 49 years, with only three regional presidents since 1976.
Less than a year after the last elections, Madeira is set to return to the polls this Sunday, marking the third regional election in just over 18 months.
The political crisis stems from a vote of no confidence that toppled the regional government led by Miguel Albuquerque, who is running again as the Social Democratic Party (PSD) candidate despite being implicated in a corruption investigation.
The turmoil began in January 2024 when the Judicial Police conducted over 100 searches as part of an investigation into alleged corruption, abuse of power, and influence peddling.
Albuquerque, who has governed Madeira since 2015, was named a formal suspect (arguido) and resigned five days later after the PAN party threatened to withdraw its parliamentary support.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolved the Regional Legislative Assembly and called for early elections on May 26, 2024.
Although the PSD won, it lost seats and fell short of an absolute majority, relying on a parliamentary agreement with the CDS-PP and support from Chega to pass its government program.
However, in November, Chega filed a motion of no confidence, which passed on December 17, leading to the government’s collapse.
This Sunday’s election features 14 parties vying for 47 seats in the Regional Legislative Assembly.
Polls suggest the PSD is on the verge of regaining an absolute majority.
According to an Intercampus poll, the PSD leads with 38.4%, potentially securing 24 seats, while the PS trails with 16.7%.
Another poll by Aximage shows the PSD at 33.8%, still ahead but further from an absolute majority.
The PSD has governed Madeira for nearly 49 years, with only three regional presidents since 1976.
Albuquerque, who succeeded Alberto João Jardim in 2015, has faced increasing challenges in maintaining his party’s dominance.
Despite winning four elections, he has struggled to secure absolute majorities in recent years, relying on post-election agreements to govern.
This election is a critical test for Albuquerque and the PSD, as voters weigh the corruption allegations against the party’s long-standing leadership.
The outcome will determine whether Madeira continues its tradition of PSD governance or charts a new political course.