JPP Accuses ARAE of Being PSD's "Enforcement Arm" Against Santana Farmers
Madeira GuideThe JPP has publicly criticized the ARAE for its aggressive inspection at the Santana Agricultural Market, claiming it serves the PSD and harms local farmers.
In a fervent statement, the Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party has accused the Autoridade Regional das Actividades Económicas (ARAE) of acting as a "braço armado" or enforcement arm for the Partido Social Democrata (PSD) government. This accusation stems from a contentious inspection conducted by ARAE at the Mercado Agrícola de Santana in 2025, which the JPP claims was unnecessarily forceful and humiliating for local farmers.
The JPP's secretary-general, Élvio Sousa, led a parliamentary visit to the market and declared the party's unwavering support for the farmers of Santana. Sousa condemned the ARAE's methods, calling them punitive rather than educational or supportive. He argued that the inspection was a display of arrogance that undermined hardworking individuals who maintain local agricultural traditions, such as producing homemade bread and artisanal honey.
Sousa highlighted the inconsistency in ARAE's actions, pointing out their lack of similar enforcement at larger establishments and events that sell food and beverages. He challenged ARAE to demonstrate its independence by applying the same scrutiny to more influential businesses.
The JPP emphasized that supporting the farmers of Santana is crucial for the survival of local agriculture, which is already under pressure from high living costs, inflation, labor shortages, and market monopolies. The party views the struggle of these farmers as emblematic of broader regional challenges faced by subsistence agriculture.
This incident has sparked significant debate in Madeira, drawing attention to the balance between regulatory enforcement and the economic realities of small-scale farmers. The JPP's accusations suggest a deeper political conflict between local authorities and the PSD, raising questions about the fairness and focus of economic inspections in the region.
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Madeira Guide
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