Fabian Figueiredo Questions Government Over Mobility Subsidy
Madeira GuideFabian Figueiredo, a deputy from the Left Bloc, challenges the Portuguese government on the new Social Mobility Subsidy, citing financial burdens on Madeira residents.
Fabian Figueiredo, a member of the Portuguese Left Bloc in the Assembly of the Republic, has raised concerns regarding the recent changes to the Social Mobility Subsidy (SSM) legislation. These changes, effective from January 7, 2026, have introduced increased financial burdens on residents of autonomous regions such as Madeira.
Figueiredo questioned the government on the impact of these legal adjustments, highlighting the continued obstacles in accessing territorial continuity. The new regulations allegedly impose excessive financial constraints on residents, which could affect their mobility between the mainland and the archipelago.
Madeira, a well-known tourist destination, depends heavily on accessible and affordable transportation to maintain its connection with mainland Portugal. The SSM is designed to support this by reimbursing part of the travel costs for residents, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged compared to mainland citizens.
The concerns come at a time when the region is also focusing on boosting its tourism sector, a vital part of its economy. Any changes in mobility subsidies directly impact both the local population and the tourism industry, potentially affecting the flow of visitors to the island.
The deputy's inquiry underlines the critical role of the subsidy in supporting the socio-economic fabric of Madeira, emphasizing the need for fair and supportive measures to ensure the island's residents are not financially overburdened.
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Madeira Guide
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