Back to News
News

Chega Seeks to Overturn Mobility Subsidy Decree in Madeira

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
February 18, 2026
3 min read

The Chega party aims to challenge a government decree on the mobility subsidy, focusing on air travel support in Madeira's autonomous regions.

In a significant political move, the Chega party is set to debate a proposal in the national parliament today, aiming to overturn a government decree concerning the Social Mobility Subsidy. This subsidy plays a crucial role in supporting air travel for residents of Madeira's autonomous regions.

The discussion, led by Madeira's own deputy Francisco Gomes, highlights Chega's dissatisfaction with the current model and their push for amendments. The party argues that the existing decree does not adequately support the mobility needs of Madeira's residents, particularly in terms of air travel.

The proposal is part of a broader initiative by Chega to reform the mobility subsidy, ensuring better and fairer access to travel between Madeira and the mainland. This debate is crucial as it directly impacts the connectivity and travel affordability for the island's residents.

Background on the Social Mobility Subsidy

The Social Mobility Subsidy was introduced to alleviate the financial burden of travel for residents of Portugal's autonomous regions, such as Madeira and the Azores. It is designed to make air travel more affordable by subsidizing a portion of the ticket costs.

However, there has been ongoing criticism regarding its implementation, with many arguing that the subsidy does not fully meet the needs of the residents and fails to account for the unique challenges of island living.

Political Implications

Chega's push to 'overturn the decree' is a bold statement in the political arena, reflecting broader debates on regional autonomy and financial support from the central government. The outcome of this debate could set a precedent for future policy adjustments involving regional subsidies.

We need a model that truly reflects the realities of living in an autonomous region. This decree just doesn't cut it.

Francisco Gomes, Chega Deputy from Madeira

Sources

Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

Author