PS Questions Government Over Debts and Closure of Casa do Povo de Santa Maria Maior

The Socialist Party (PS) has formally questioned the regional government of Madeira about the financial troubles plaguing the Casa do Povo de Santa Maria Maior. This inquiry, directed through the Legislative Assembly, has raised alarms over unpaid debts to artists and staff, leading to the closure of the institution.

The Casa do Povo de Santa Maria Maior, a cultural and community hub, has been unable to pay artists who participated in the Expo Tropical events in 2024 and 2025. Additionally, staff members have not received their salaries, prompting them to abstain from work. Consequently, the facility remains closed, halting all cultural and community activities.

Victor Freitas, a deputy of the PS, highlighted that despite the government’s allocation of funds through Resolution 677/2025 aimed at addressing these debts, there has been a failure to disperse the payments. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of government oversight and the management of public funds.

The PS has demanded clarification from the Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries, Nuno Maciel, regarding the current management of the Casa do Povo, the exact amount of public funds received over the past five years, and whether there are any existing contracts or subsidies in arrears. The party is seeking transparency on how these funds have been utilized.

The closure of this institution not only affects the employees but also the wider community that relies on it for cultural enrichment and community activities. The implications for local tourism and cultural events are significant, as the Casa do Povo plays a pivotal role in the cultural landscape of Madeira.

dnoticias.pt

dnoticias.pt

funchalnoticias.net

jm-madeira.pt