The head of the Government of Madeira stated on Sunday that the visit by the President of the Republic to the region, following the August fires, was unnecessary. He also emphasized that he refused to succumb to blackmail regarding the dismissal of the civil protection president in the archipelago.
While participating in the Eucharist of Bom Jesus in the municipality of São Vicente, Miguel Albuquerque addressed journalists in the parish of Ponta Delgada. During the interaction, he questioned, “What is he doing?”
The Madeiran governor added that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has nothing to see on the island. He pointed out that the recent fires had only burned bushland and did not affect any houses or infrastructure.
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Additionally, Albuquerque mentioned that the President had called him to inquire about the situation, and after providing the necessary explanations, he assured that the matter was resolved.
Refusal to Dismiss Regional Civil Protection
Moreover, he said they have faced criticism over the strategy used to combat the August fires on the island. Regarding the calls for the resignation of those responsible for regional civil protection, Miguel Albuquerque responded firmly.
He dismissed these demands, asserting that he would not be influenced by external pressures or demands for dismissals, particularly those driven by what he referred to as blackmail. He said
I am not subject to blackmail nor can I work based on blackmail.
Albuquerque added.
If they want a government leader to wander around depending on what is said on the internet or the momentary tastes of public opinion, we will be left without direction.
Defense of Fire Management Strategy
Furthermore, the government official emphasized that someone has to demonstrate that there was negligence or incompetence in the management of the fires.
He stressed that combating a fire of the magnitude that broke out on August 14 in Serra de Água, in the municipality of Ribeira Brava—where active outbreaks persisted for 13 days—is primarily achieved through containment strategies. He said
I am not going to go by prejudices, nor by what is said on social media. We have to look at reality.
The island official highlighted that the results are there for all to see. He noted that the fire caused no fatalities, left infrastructure and homes untouched, and only impacted a small area of the Laurissilva forest. He stressed.
My role is to do everything I think, within the framework of the [Regional] Government’s program approved in parliament, to maintain a course for Madeira.
Miguel Albuquerque emphasized that the people of Madeira desire stability and continuity. He pointed out that they want to stay the course and would not appreciate any instability arising from marginal issues in the region. He added.
We cannot be here jumping around and zigzagging according to the moods of the moment, especially moods that often do not reflect the majority of Madeirans.
Awaiting Parliament Hearing
The president of the regional executive pointed out that people can only demand that he uphold the principles outlined in the program, which the population approved.
Albuquerque also reported that he has not yet received the request to attend the hearing in the Parliament of Madeira to provide explanations on the management of the fires. He reinforced his stance by saying:
I haven’t seen it yet. I haven’t decided yet and I have to analyze it, then I’ll make the decision. I’ve never run away from scrutiny.
The Madeiran social-democratic leader stressed that he was not afraid of anything, much less of parliament. He also highlighted that he participates in debates in the Madeira Assembly every month.
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