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Chega Criticizes RTP for Neglecting Autonomous Regions

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
May 14, 2026
3 min read

Chega party representative Francisco Gomes accuses RTP of failing in its public service duty by neglecting the autonomous regions, highlighting salary increases for the administration amidst regional neglect.

In a pointed critique directed at the administration of RTP, Francisco Gomes, a member of the Chega party elected from Madeira to the national parliament, has accused the public broadcaster of neglecting its duty to the autonomous regions. The criticism comes in the wake of revelations about a significant salary increase for the RTP administration.

Gomes claims that the station has been transformed into a lucrative enterprise for its administrators, while services and professionals within the autonomous regions like Madeira remain underfunded and unsupported. The 11% salary increase for the administration, announced recently, has been a particular point of contention.

The administration of RTP has turned the public broadcaster into a highly profitable piggy bank for themselves, leaving our regions without the necessary resources.

— Francisco Gomes

This issue underscores a broader concern regarding the allocation of resources and the emphasis placed on serving all parts of Portugal equitably. For Madeira, a region with a unique cultural and geographical identity, such neglect is particularly poignant. The island relies heavily on public broadcasting for cultural representation and information dissemination.

The debate over RTP’s funding and its commitments to the autonomous regions raises questions about equity and the role of national media in fostering regional identities. As tourism remains a vital part of Madeira’s economy, ensuring that the region's needs and stories are adequately represented in national media is crucial.

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Madeira Guide

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