Madeira Outraged by New Mobility Subsidy Model
Madeira GuideThe new mobility subsidy model has sparked outrage in Madeira, being termed as an affront to the constitution and discriminatory against island residents.
The introduction of a new model for the Social Mobility Subsidy by the Portuguese government has ignited significant controversy in Madeira. The subsidy, which affects air travel between the Autonomous Regions and the mainland, now includes conditions that many local leaders view as discriminatory.
The main point of contention involves a newly introduced requirement that residents must provide documents proving they have no outstanding debts to the state in order to qualify for the subsidy. This condition has been criticized by the Madeira Regional Government as a 'gross affront to the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic', arguing that it unfairly targets island residents.
Political Reactions
Filipe Sousa, a Madeira deputy elected by the Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party, expressed satisfaction at the swift approval of a parliamentary hearing to address these changes. This session aims to question the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, about the rationale behind these requirements.
Furthermore, the CDS party is taking legal action by appealing to the Constitutional Court to declare the new regulations unconstitutional. They argue that the conditions violate principles of proportionality and equality, which are fundamental to the Portuguese legal system.
Government Demands and Public Outcry
The Madeira Regional Government, through its Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Culture, has formally demanded a reconsideration of these debt-related conditions. They emphasize that such demands contradict the spirit of national unity and equality among Portuguese citizens.
The requirement for citizens in Madeira and the Azores to prove they are debt-free to access this subsidy insults the very essence of equal rights within our nation.
This unfolding situation has not only stirred political circles but also sparked widespread public discontent across the islands. Residents and local leaders alike view this as a matter that goes beyond mere policy change, touching on issues of fairness and constitutional rights.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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