It comes against Madeira budget without 30% VAT differential

O the leader of the Aquida/Madeira, Hugo Nunes, today stated that if the Regional Budget (OR) for 2027 does not consecrate the application of the 30% differential in Value Added Tax (VAT) the party will vote against the proposal.

“O Arriga once again calls for the application of the 30% VAT differential,” said the deputy of this party force in the Madeira Legislative Assembly to journalists, after the meeting with the Regional Secretary of Finance, Duarte Freitas, in the preparation of the OR.

The ruler is today hearing the proposals of all parties sitting in the Madeiran parliament.

“A budget that does not contemplate this measure to relieve the Madeirans, to improve the cost of living of the Madeirans – Enough will not be able to agree with such a budget and we will vote against it, because what is at stake is an autonomous right, enshrined in autonomy, which is the application of the 30% tax differential,” he said.

The regional leader of the party – who has three seats in the Assembly of Madeira, in a universe of 47 parliamentarians, after the previous leader, Miguel Castro, had passed the non-registered deputy – argued that the application of this differential “makes the cost of all consumer goods directly lower than the general population buys”.

“VAT is a priority and it is something that has to be included in the OR to directly lower the final price to Madeirans,” he said, referring to the power that, in the context of autonomy, regional governments have to reduce taxes by applying the maximum differential of 30% (in relation to the continent).

Another proposal defended was the definition of Porto Santo as a contingency airport for flights that diverge or are cancelled in Madeira, suggesting they stop on that island and then have a quick connection to Madeira Island to Caniçal (extreme east).

It also wants to create the profession of full-time dentist in all health centers, “because oral health is currently being neglected in Madeira”. The goal is to “help Madeirans who are unable to turn to the private” and there should be a health check issued from the 90 days of waiting in public health.

The leader stressed that the party led to the ruler who guards the Finances a specification in various proposals and in various areas, such as agriculture, fisheries and ferry connection to the continent.

“The Enough will include in the OE2027 the contest for this line. But if the State does not take this step, the Regional Government must do so,” he said.

Hugo Nunes emphasized that territorial continuity should be ensured with this measure, and “contemplate passengers and round cargo to make the connection feasible”.

“We do not think that just because it is opposition is a bad idea,” he concluded.

Madeira is governed by the PSD and the CDS-PP, which have an absolute majority in the regional parliament.