Migrants: Funchal Raises Awareness for Social Diagnostic Study

Funchal City Council Urges Participation in Migrant Community Social Diagnostic Study.


The Funchal City Council today appealed for participation in the social diagnostic study of Funchal, which aims to integrate the migrant community.


The so-called Diagnostic Study of the Migrant Community in Funchal aims to develop effective strategies and public policies for the reception and integration of the migrant community in the municipality.


This initiative is led by the Councillor for Diaspora and Migration, Ana Bracamonte, and is being conducted by the company Logframe.
Throughout this week, in-person interviews are being held with government entities, migrant associations, and individuals not formally represented by associations. The goal is to gather essential information for the research.


Surveys are also available for the migrant community, including emigrants who have since returned and now reside in Funchal, and immigrants.


According to the municipality, the questionnaire is an essential tool for better understanding the reality of the migrant community. It allows for direct information collection from migrants themselves, ensuring updated, specific data based on their personal experiences.


In a statement, Ana Bracamonte invited migrants to participate in disseminating and completing the surveys. She thanked everyone for their collaboration, emphasizing “the importance and opportunity for the community to be heard and to actively participate in building a more just and inclusive society.”


The surveys can be accessed until June 12th by scanning QR codes distributed at some entities, and through the following links:


Emigrants:
https://pt.surveymonkey.com/r/diagnfunchalemig


Immigrants (available in English and Portuguese):
https://pt.surveymonkey.com/r/diagnfunchalimig

Jornal da Madeira 5 June 2025

This is a big surprise! Unfortunately it’s only for Funchal city.

Translation by AI

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

Migrantes: Funchal sensibiliza para estudo de diagnóstico social https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/migrantes-funchal-sensibiliza-para-estudo-de-diagnostico-social-LD18284087

This article was also published in the Diário de Notícias online, at around the same time. By 10am the next morning it had 24 comments, all presumably from Madeirans, and they were ALL negative towards this initiative. With the usual send them home messages, of course.

‘Todas as Cores’ (All the colours) Event: A Celebration of Diversity in Funchal (Madeira).

The event ‘Todas as Cores’ (All Colors) brought together over 30 nationalities in a multicultural environment.


Last Saturday, the Funchal City Council held the ‘Todas as Cores’ event, gathering over one hundred participants from 30 different nationalities in a multicultural setting focused on health and well-being. The event encompassed various initiatives and public spaces across the city, from the Lido Gardens to the Almirante Reis Gardens, concluding at Barreirinha, and included diverse activities such as yoga, CrossFit, walking, and dance.


Bridging Cultures and Fostering Integration


Councilwoman Ana Bracamonte, responsible for the Department of Diaspora and Migration, stated that the event was part of the ‘Humanity is Diversity’ campaign and concluded May’s programming, which was dedicated to celebrating Cultural Diversity in the Municipality.


She also recalled that Funchal currently hosts over 7,000 foreign residents from 123 different nationalities. Bracamonte emphasized that the City Council, through the creation of the Department of Diaspora and Migration under her purview, has been, for the first time, actively organizing a series of events specifically aimed at the integration of these communities. “The objective is to promote interaction between locals and foreigners in various contexts — sporting, cultural, and environmental — and to create bonds that transcend linguistic or cultural barriers,” she affirmed.


A Strategic Approach to Social Cohesion


Bracamonte also highlighted that initiatives like ‘Todas as Cores’ play a strategic role in consolidating a municipal integration policy. “At a time when European cities face increasing challenges of social cohesion, Funchal demonstrates that promoting joint outdoor activities in prominent public spaces is an effective tool to combat prejudice and facilitate coexistence. These actions reflect a modern interpretation of migratory dynamics: immigrants are not merely ‘beneficiaries’ of welcoming policies, but agents who add economic, cultural, and social value to the territory. By providing informal meeting opportunities — where sport, culture, and leisure act as bridges of understanding — we encourage more active and inclusive citizen participation.”


Leveraging Local Associations for Mutual Support


Furthermore, by involving entities such as the Workers’ Cultural and Sports Center, the Madeira Friends Association, and OpenDance Madeira, the Funchal Municipality leverages the potential of local associations to strengthen mutual support networks. This cross-cutting of objectives — health, culture, sport, and community intervention — reflects a systemic political approach, where immigrant integration is intertwined with youth, environmental, and sports policies.
Funchal’s Role as a Regional Capital


It is important to emphasize that Funchal, as a regional capital, assumes increased responsibilities: managing migratory flows in insular contexts brings specific challenges, such as limited resources, geographical proximity, and the need to preserve local traditions. Thus, by organizing events that highlight cultural plurality, the municipality reinforces the message that diversity is a strategic asset for economic and social development.


“This is a political vision that goes beyond rhetoric, by utilizing public infrastructures such as the Lido Gardens, Almirante Reis Garden, and the Funchal seafront bathing complexes, in this case, Barreirinha. In this way, the Funchal Municipality demonstrates its commitment to democratizing urban space as a stage for intercultural encounters,” concluded the councilwoman.


Conclusion


In summary, ‘Todas as Cores’ proved that it is possible to promote integration in a healthy and creative way, leveraging public spaces to unite people from different backgrounds.

*****

Not a great translation by AI. I apologise.

However, with only 100 People present from the foreign community, a very small step was taken with this inaugural event. Better than nothing, that’s all I can say really.

There was no advertising in the local press that I could find. Somehow I think it was aimed at uniting children, rather than a serious attempt towards integration of 7,000 immigrants.

So what did AI have to say about the accusations in yesterday’s blog?

Yes, there are significant statistics and information supporting the Portuguese press’s highlighting of fake news and lies in recent election campaigns, particularly those in May 2025.A key source is a report by Cyabra, an AI platform for disinformation detection, titled “Fake Voices, Real Votes.” This report, widely featured by CNN Portugal, focused on social media activity leading up to the May 2025 general election (analysis period: April 14 – May 14, 2025).Here are some of their key findings: * High Percentage of Fake Accounts:   * 58% of accounts commenting on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the far-right Chega party were identified as fake. These accounts were used to create an illusion of widespread public support.   * 49% of profiles commenting on posts from the Socialist (PS) and Social Democratic (PSD) parties were also fake. These accounts launched coordinated attacks against opposition leaders while simultaneously promoting Chega. * Coordinated Disinformation Campaign:   * Fake profiles amplified false narratives about Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos and malicious attacks on PSD’s Luís Montenegro.   * They spread conspiracy theories, economic discontent, and anti-immigration rhetoric.   * Many fake accounts engaged in “cross-campaign promotion,” attacking rival parties and praising Chega in the same threads, indicating a coordinated effort to manipulate public opinion. * Impact on Political Discourse:   * The report concluded that these fake profiles and bot networks were actively reshaping Portugal’s political discourse and voter sentiment.   * Dan Brahmy, CEO & Co-founder of Cyabra, stated, “What’s happening in Portugal is a masterclass in modern influence operations… This is a deliberate, strategic campaign to undermine democratic institutions, sway public opinion, and manipulate voters during a critical election.”Broader Context and Previous Trends:While the Cyabra report specifically addresses the May 2025 election, other studies provide context on the landscape of disinformation in Portuguese elections: * Increased Fact-Checking Activity: A comparative analysis of Portuguese fact-checkers (Observador and Polígrafo) in the 2019 and 2022 elections showed an increase in fact-checking activity, suggesting a greater presence of subjectivity and deception in political discourse. * Corruption as a Motivator: A study by Iberifier indicated that corruption is the theme most often targeted by information manipulation campaigns in Portugal. * “National Lie of the Year”: In 2022, Polígrafo attributed the “national lie of the year” to André Ventura, leader of Chega, for numerous inaccuracies and falsehoods spread on social media, during interviews, debates, and in Parliament. * Social Media as a News Source: In 2024, 63% of Portuguese people reported using social media as their primary news source, which can exacerbate the spread of fake news due to algorithms prioritizing engaging and often polarizing content.These statistics clearly demonstrate that the Portuguese press’s concerns about fake news and lies in election campaigns are well-founded, with the May 2025 election seeing a significant and coordinated disinformation effort.

Report Points to Chega as a Major Source of Electoral Disinformation

From RTP News 28/6/25


A SmartVote report indicates that Portugal and Spain have seen an increase in electoral disinformation, particularly during legislative elections, with far-right parties like Chega identified as primary sources.


SmartVote, an entity dedicated to studying disinformation in Portugal, Spain, and the European Union (EU), states, “Both Spain and Portugal have witnessed a rise in electoral disinformation, particularly during legislative elections, with social media playing a central role in the dissemination of false content.”


The report highlights that “key themes include electoral fraud, corruption, and immigration, with far-right parties in both countries, particularly Chega in Portugal and Vox in Spain, being the main sources of disinformation.”


In both nations, disinformation primarily targets political candidates, electoral systems, and specific policy proposals. Common tactics involve fake images, manipulated videos, and misleading polls.


“While Spain faces greater political polarization and a stronger institutional response to disinformation, Portugal remains less polarized but increasingly exposed to political instability and digital disinformation, with softer regulatory approaches,” the report notes.
The document also points out that snap elections have become more common in both countries in recent years, leading to shorter governance cycles and greater political instability.


Both countries are characterized by “low voter turnout among young people, driven by political disinterest, economic insecurity, and identity-related factors, with parties at the extremes often being the only forces capable of mobilizing these voters.”


There is also “a notable increase in the sharing of cross-border narratives, especially concerning issues like immigration. Both countries face significant challenges in distinguishing between political propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to combat these trends.”


Furthermore, a growing number of young people (60% in Spain, 62% in Portugal) use artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications, mainly for academic, professional, and creative tasks, reflecting the technology’s increasing role in daily life. Young people are also more comfortable with AI-assisted news compared to the general population.
SmartVote is an entity that studies disinformation in Portugal, Spain, and the EU, as well as how this trend affects choices, increases distrust in the political system, and influences social divisions.
The report, “An Iberian perspective: Electoral disinformation in the media in Spain, Portugal, and the European Union and identification tools,” is scientifically coordinated by OberCom – Communications Observatory.

Translated by AI

What are the Madeirans gaining or losing as a result of the deep divide between them and legal immigrants?

This blog has already covered the benefits at a macro level for Portugal and Madeira. Such as strengthening a weak demographic situation due to an aging population and low birth rates. Supplementing local manpower shortages, both skilled and unskilled. Making a huge contribution to social security income, and taking comparatively little money out …. and much more.

Aside from all the benefits and positive aspects of a single harmonious community, living and working together, what other wins and loses are the Madeiran community likely to see?

There are online platforms developing, targeting immigrants for products and services. These seemingly are being set-up and administered by other immigrants, although probably not 100%. These are certainly available in the English language, and maybe others too. Is this going to replicate what has already happened in other locations in other countries heavily populated with immigrants?

So is the immigrant community starting to serve itself with such services, and turning less to madeiran businesses for their needs?

This could potentially be a significant loss to local businesses, as these customers traditionally have a higher disposable income than locals. These services often relate to construction or building rectification matters, and therefore are typically works of relatively high values.

On the other hand, is there a Madeiran presence in these groups, who see an opportunity that might be motivated knowing that they can charge higher prices by serving immigrants?

With the situation of a deeper divide happening very quickly, and changing behaviours of locals, could this impact on tourism in a negative way?

Immigrants are generally thought by locals as being rich, owning the best houses in the best and safest locations. It may well be generally true, but not always! Often these immigrants can afford to, and want to, help in the local community. Supporting people, animals, local events and probably many more good causes.

Even those who do not have much disposable income can help in other ways, however big or small. From animal rescue and care, to beach cleaning, or even organising fund raising and local events. Evidence of this can often be found in the social media with immigrant organisers seeking volunteers for good causes.

Immigrants often have much needed special expertise or skills, that can be hard to find elsewhere or can be expensive locally. Retired doctors, construction specialists, special needs for children or care of the sick or elderly, to name just a few possibilities.

Then there are those with specialist knowledge or skills who might be willing to share that knowledge. It may be a foreign chef, a musician, a sports coach, a retired teacher, or someone who speaks other languages, to name just a few possibilities.

Probably all these potentially valuable resources are being lost, just because they are immigrants. It makes no sense!

Purposely segregating immigrants is also sad for them. Many come with expectations of a good life, with integrating with the local community being one of those expectations.

In times where local labour is hard to find, in agriculture for example, immigrant neighbours may provide a cheap or even free labour solution when the time critical grape picking season is in full flow for example.

Many immigrants come to Madeira with the intention of starting new businesses, or expanding existing ones in a new territory. It can’t be guaranteed of course, but often they pay better wages and benefits, provide proper training and very importantly respect their employees as part of a team. Unlike many local employers who will pay the minimum possible, treat you like a slave, and fire you when they fall on hard times. Madeiran bosses often show disregard for Portuguese labour laws.

So those are some possible wins for integrating with immigrants.

The possible losses for local people …. well, just read the above again with a negative perspective!

Immigration on the Spanish islands

This makes an interesting comparison for Madeira Island, except that here we don’t have much illegal immigration from Africa.

Based on the available information, here’s a breakdown of Spanish islands with significant immigrant populations:
By Population Percentage:
The Balearic Islands consistently show the highest percentage of foreign-born residents.
* As of January 2025, nearly 28.3% of the Balearic Islands’ population consists of foreign-born residents.
* Within the Balearic Islands, Ibiza and Formentera have particularly high proportions, with nearly 28% of their inhabitants born outside Spain. Mallorca has 20% and Menorca just under 13%.
The Canary Islands also have a very high percentage of foreign-born residents.
* As of January 2024, 22.6% of the population in the Canary Islands (505,075 people) were born outside Spain.
* Within the Canary Islands, some individual islands have even higher percentages:
   * Fuerteventura: 38.4%
   * Lanzarote: 33.2%
   * El Hierro: 30.5%
   * La Gomera: 25.4%
   * Tenerife: 24.7% (with some municipalities like Adeje, Arona, and Santiago del Teide having over 50% foreign-born residents)
   * La Palma: 22.6%
   * Gran Canaria: 15.6%
By Numbers (Approximate):
While precise “legal immigrant” numbers are harder to isolate from “foreign-born residents” or “irregular migrants” in the provided data, we can infer from overall population and foreign-born percentages.
The Canary Islands have a substantial number of foreign-born residents, estimated at over 505,000 as of January 2024. This number is increasing significantly, with a record 46,843 irregular migrants arriving in 2024 alone, in addition to other forms of immigration.
The Balearic Islands had 352,221 foreign-born residents as of January 2025.
Key Nationalities:
For Spain as a whole (and likely reflected in the islands), the main immigrant nationalities are Colombian, Venezuelan, and Moroccan. In the Canary Islands, Venezuelans are a notable group. In the Balearic Islands, Argentinians, Moroccans, Colombians, Germans, and Britons are prominent.
Important Distinction:
It’s crucial to differentiate between “legal immigrants” and “irregular migrants.” The data often refers to “foreign-born residents” or “migrants,” which can include both legal and irregular statuses. However, the high percentages of foreign-born residents in these islands indicate a significant established immigrant population. The Canary Islands, in particular, have seen a surge in irregular arrivals via the Atlantic route in recent years.

This information was obtained from AI

Costa del Sol. Spanish coast, an area of high immigration during decades.

I tried to find contacts to talk about similar situations to that of Madeira, asking about legal immigration and how it was handled both at government level, and the experiences of locals and immigrants. Some responses are relevant, yet conflicting. Some interesting reading, but little about the big questions that I need to investigate.

The texts are shown in strict chronological order, marked with the contributors initial, to try and clarify crossovers between responses.

*****

Me: I live on the Portuguese island of Madeira. We are going through a transition of high immigration very quickly.

It’s causing problems with the locals (who don’t like immigrants).

I am looking to talk to people who have gone through this over a long term.

Problems need to be smoothed over, and so much more.

Is there anyone with long term experience in your community who can tell me about their experience?

Lots of questions, and tips needed. Or point me in the right direction please.

*****

HH 25-5: Hi. I’ve lived in Spain for many years, since childhood in fact. I can say definitely that if the Portuguese are anything like the Spanish people, the most important thing you can do is to learn the language. It doesn’t have to be University lecture level but at least to be able to hold a simple conversation. So many expats learn just enough to be able to order a coffee or a beer and then mix only with other expats. Latins are very communicative, if they can’t communicate with you they soon lose interest.

The locals won’t expect you to be fluent but they do appreciate it when you at least try to speak their language. Watch local telly, read Portuguese newspapers and, whenever possible, buy in the small local shops. It all helps. Regards.

Me 25-5: Thanks for responding. Personally I am fluent in Portuguese, and have been for many years. Nearly all other expats are not, and don’t even try except for some basics. Sometimes I feel that being fluent exposes me to all the horrors of the community and wish I hadn´t learnt the language at all. The portuguese are generally racist, these days even more so, and maybe the Spanish are far less. It´s that sort of info i need to start coming up with some solutions. Do you live all side by side in harmony now?

HH 25-5: Hi again. In my urbanization, on my street alone we have about 6 nationalities living side by side. On the whole urbanization, 168 houses, we have many more nationalities including several Scandinavian countries. We all get on, some better some worse. I do feel that the South coast of Spain is far more liberal and welcoming than other places, mainly because they are used to having neighbours of different nationalities since the late 1960’s. We don’t have a problem with many immigrants either as they all tend to go North, to Madrid or Barcelona where the work is.

Maybe Madeira being an island, they feel more protective of their culture. I believe the Balearic and the Canary Islands also have a bit of a problem with visitors.

Why not move to Southern Spain and be welcomed with open arms! Regards.

Me 25-5: thanks again, that’s really good to know. There is an island mentality here. it all sounds completely different for you. The extreme right here (your VOX) is now the 2nd biggest political party, and it is targeting immigration by spreading hate amongst the locals.

I intend to try and contact immigrants in the Balearics and Canary islands, if I can find contacts.

Many thanks for your contribution

HD 26-5: “The Portuguese are generally racist.”
The same could be said for many Spaniards, who often use the term “guiri.” There’s also a lot of antisemitism, particularly regarding Israel, and many  people complained about Israel’s participation in Eurovision. Ironically, many also dislike Muslims. Additionally, there’s a tendency to blame foreigners for rising rents, even though the reality is that most speculators are Spanish themselves. People here can be very judgmental based on appearance — I’m fortunate to look more Spanish, which often gets me a smile, so I try to keep quiet. Honestly, I don’t think it’s any different in Spain.

HD 27-5:

“Sometimes I feel that being fluent exposes me to all the horrors of the community, and I wish I hadn’t learnt the language at all.”

To be honest, I’ve heard many Brits say the same in Spain. Often, people are better off not knowing what others are really saying. It sounds like Portugal is very similar. Sometimes, the charm of a country is simply absorbing the atmosphere and customs, without getting too deep into conversations. You don’t judge the people unless you can communicate in depth, and in a way, that’s often a blessing.

HH 27-5: Just a note to HD: the Spanish term “guiri” is not an insult. I was married to a Malagueño for 25 years and in the family, I was often called “la guiri”: It is generally an affectionate term for foreigners, much as Brits might call an American a Yank or Americans call English people Limeys. It is not meant to offend.

I do feel that different cultures often don’t understand each other. For example, interrupting a conversation or another person who is speaking is considered very rude in the UK. Here, in Spain, it is perfectly normal. Driving is another example, in the UK one would only use the horn if really necessary. Here it is used all the time. Raising one’s voice is another example. Here, in Spain, it is quite normal. It’s a Latin thing.

I have lived in Spain all my life and I’ve had Spanish nationality for nearly 40 years so I think I know what I’m talking about. I worked as a translator for the Andalucian Health Service for 21 years and we used to see (and hear) misunderstandings all the time but kindness and friendliness are universal traits that all humans can relate to. As is a good sense of humour.

HD 28-5: The term “guiri” has been prominently used in Málaga as part of anti-tourism protests. Locals have expressed growing frustration over the impact of mass tourism on housing affordability, gentrification, and the overall quality of life in the city. In June 2024, approximately 15,000 people marched under the slogan “Málaga para vivir, no para sobrevivir” (“Málaga to live, not to survive”). Additionally, anti-tourism graffiti and stickers have appeared throughout Málaga’s city center. Phrases like “A tu puta casa” (“Go f**ing home”) and “Apestando a turista” (“Stinking of tourist”*) have been spotted on walls and doors, particularly on buildings converted into tourist accommodations.

I know a few estate agents who have all told me that few Brits are buying here now. The majority of their clients, particularly those interested in rental investment properties, are mostly Spanish. Furthermore, if you’re not an EU citizen, you don’t get the same tax breaks — like offsetting expenses for wear and tear or agents’ fees — and VAT is also added on top. Some of the big buyers along the coast are people from other Spanish cities, such as Seville and Madrid. Brits are much further down the list these days, especially after Brexit.

Tourists are getting the blame — they do, of course, take short-term rentals — but like in most countries, it’s the foreigners who get the flak, even though they’re the very ones who keep the economy going.

My other point is that property in Spain has always been plentiful, mainly because of years of overbuilding. Just check sites like AltaVista: pick an area, and you’ll find loads of properties for sale at any time. It’s a bit like the Tulip boom — prices went crazy purely due to speculation. It’s not a simple case of supply and demand like in the UK, where the market is more sensitive. In Spain, sellers often just go for a price, and others follow suit, even if it means sitting on the property for a long time. It’s a bit of a Wild West.

Spanish property can be a risky investment. Some prices have only now recovered to the levels seen at the 2008 crash, whereas in the UK, prices have roughly doubled since then.

As of the latest available data, Spain has approximately 3.8 million vacant homes, representing about 14% of the country’s total housing stock. So, the current property prices and rental rates are pretty crazy.

Last point — are the Spanish racist? I think they are, to some extent. For context, my family is Jewish, and I’ve had to endure a lot of anti-Jewish sentiment, especially during the Eurovision period when tensions flared over Gaza. Many Spaniards were furious about Israel’s entry, but at the same time, they’re often very anti-Muslim, particularly towards Moroccans.

I had an experience on the street recently: I said to a Spanish female friend that the Muslim women with their hijabs and colorful clothing looked wonderful. Her response? “How can they look nice with their hair covered?” It’s a strange mix of hostility towards Jews, yet a love for Gaza. Go figure.

They also make fun of Northern Europeans — the way we dress, the socks and sandals jokes — and they laugh at older men for it. What they don’t realize is that in northern Europe, sweaty feet without socks is a nightmare!

It all feels very tribal — and ironic, considering they often turn against the very people who keep the economy moving.

One thing I’ve always appreciated about London is that no one cares who you are — Black, White, Chinese, Indian — you’re just part of the city. In contrast, the Spanish can sometimes be a bit full of themselves. And in Andalucía, they don’t always seem to recognize the rich cultural mix they have from the Moors and the Romany people. They think it’s all 100% Spanish, when in fact their culture has been shaped by so many different influences.

M (to HD) 28-5 absolutely correct …and how can you take part in local culture if you don’t learn the language…I live in one of the “white villages” and there is so much going on especially in the summer and so much you miss out on if you don’t speak the language…and the Spanish in this area are very tolerant about mistakes…and very helpful to correct you and explain …love it

HH (to HD) 28-5: I feel you’ve rather overreplied! I wasn’t talking at all about the housing problem. But I have to say I totally agree with the Spanish locals. There are far too many tourists on the mainland and the islands. We are all fed up with them. You have to stay away from city centres as the prices have shot up on everything. I can’t remember the last time I went into Màlaga centre, something I used to do regularly 15 or 20 years ago. It’s just not pleasant now. A simple coffee or an ice cream now costs 4 times as much as it used to. All my Spanish friends say the same.

I still have to disagree with you on the use of the word guiri, I myself use it from time to time. And finally, Andaluz folk have a love-hate relationship with Muslim/Arabic people. The Arabic culture is embedded here in the South. We have a large Muslim community in the town where I live, working, running businesses, living side by side with everyone else. As for the Jewish matter, the highest Spanish public vote on the recent Eurovision song contest went to the Israeli contestant. So race made no difference at all.

I don’t think there is any more racism here than in other countries, specially amongst younger people under 50. Yes, there may be amongst the older generations who never had the opportunity to travel much but that also applies to most cultures.

*****

This article link was also posted:

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2024/12/17/shut-up-foreigner-locals-in-spain-clash-over-anti-guiri-artwork-as-graffiti-in-sevilla-vows-to-vomit-out-tourists/

Xxx

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. The attempts of immigrants to impose their own culture and traditions on the the island, interfering with and spoiling those that have existed during decades or centuries.

This is the final article in this series about the grievances of the local population against foreigners.

I am really at a bit of a loss to understand the real concern that is making this an issue for Madeirans. This was published in yesterday’s Journal da Madeira (23 May). It is an annual event, and the only one of it’s kind that can be described as being culturally diverse … except for Madeirans of course, although extremely limited in its representation of the number of nationalities present in Madeira.

**********

The Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Labor, and Youth, Paula Margarido, today highlighted the importance of respecting difference and diversity in building a better world.
Representing the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, at the official opening of the ‘2025 Cultural Diversity Festival’, Margarido emphasized that at this festival “we celebrate diversities, differences, respect, friendship, and fraternity. And it is with this strength that we can and will change the world.” The grand Cultural Diversity Festival, held this year on May 23rd and 24th at the São Martinho Civic Center, brings together various foreign communities residing in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, represented by countries such as South Africa, Angola, Brazil, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, India, Pakistan, Romania, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
The initiative is promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities and External Cooperation (DRCCE), in partnership with the São Martinho Parish Council, and is part of the celebrations for World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed on May 21st.
The opening ceremony took place at the São Martinho Civic Center and was also attended by the President of the São Martinho Parish Council, Marco Gonçalves, and the Councilor of the Funchal City Council, Ana Bracamonte, among other dignitaries.

********

Full credit goes to the organisers of this event, but is it really representative if the Madeirans commity is not represented or contributing, apart from some organisational assistance? Some party goers too I assume.

The Regional Government of Madeira, whist having shown itself receptive to immigrants for market needs, understands nothing of integration and it’s importance for a harmonious and all encompassing Madeira community.

Moving on, this only demonstrates the divide between Madeirans and the immigrants community. The Madeirans have their traditionals and cultural events, but these are closed shop for non-madeirans.

Even advertising is used only for the large commercial events. Most local events are not advertised, or if they are it is in Portuguese on local radio, sometimes in the local press (usually reported during or after the event has finished).

Not hidden from the immigrants are the popular street festivals that these days are 100% commercial events in open spaces, and for sure immigrant and tourist money is an important factor in the financial success of these annual events.

Other cultural and traditional events are pretty much reserved for the Madeirans, with outside involvement actively discouraged.

So how are migrants interfering or spoiling these traditions, if they are excluded from them?

Of course leaving the multiple immigrant groups out of local events will mean that sufficiently sized groups of immigrants will organise their own events. 

I only managed to think of one event that clashes between Madeirans and limited groups of immigrants. I will let AI draw conclusions on this one.

*********

It’s interesting to consider how the increasing popularity of Halloween in Madeira, particularly among children, might interact with the traditional Portuguese event of “Pão por Deus” (Bread for God).


Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what it might signify:


Pão por Deus: This is a deeply rooted Portuguese tradition, celebrated on November 1st (All Saints’ Day). Children traditionally go door-to-door, often with specially decorated bags, asking for “Pão por Deus” (bread for God’s sake). They receive treats like bread, cakes, nuts, and dried fruits, often reciting verses. It’s a custom tied to honoring the deceased and a sense of community and charity. In Madeira, it was a strong tradition.


Halloween: This holiday, with its American and British influences, has grown significantly in popularity in Portugal, including Madeira, in recent years. It brings with it customs like trick-or-treating, costumes, and spooky decorations.

The “Clash” or Coexistence: The fact that both occur around the same time (Halloween on October 31st, Pão por Deus on November 1st) naturally leads to a certain overlap or “clash”. Blending of traditions: Some sources indicate that while the commercialized Halloween is gaining traction, it often blends with the existing Pão por Deus tradition.

Children might go door-to-door for “Pão por Deus” but also embrace Halloween costumes and themes.

Shift in focus: For some, especially younger generations, the fun and commercial appeal of Halloween might overshadow the traditional spiritual and communal aspects of Pão por Deus. There’s a risk of the traditional meaning being diluted.

Adaptation, not necessarily substitution: While some aspects of Pão por Deus might recede in prominence, it’s not necessarily a complete substitution. Many schools and families still actively promote and celebrate Pão por Deus, perhaps with a more modern twist. It’s more of an evolution or a fusion rather than an outright replacement.

********

AI also suggested that areas like cuisine, music and language, may be in the origins of the complaints of the Madeirans .

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. The impact of immigration (and growing tourism) on the environment and way of life.

I have already covered much of this topic in the last week, but not said much about tourism yet.

Tourism is starting to annoy Madeirans, as the island is almost permanently on the verge of ‘full house’. So flights and accommodation are available and reasonably well balanced, but the island itself is not prepared for so many vacationing visitors.

So matters begin when tourists leave their hotels, mainly for daytime activities.

Car hire is big business these days. There are over 200 companies renting out cars now, with an estimated 13,000 cars available for hire. That’s a hefty amount of extra traffic that the locals have to put up with!

Parking is certainly a big issue. As is the quality of driving. Tourists hiring cars are from many countries of origin, mostly with subtle but important differences in the street or highway driving code. Roundabouts seem to be the main problem in movement. Legal and safe and considerate parking, are also issues. But not just for tourists , as locals often believe that parking in any adequate sized space is acceptable.

Tourists tend to head for the greatest attractions in  insustainable numbers at peak times of day. This alone has created huge traffic congestion issues through irresponsible parking. For tourist buses, this has become an unbearable issue. For emergency services, it is a critical issue, when called to an emergency without space to pass through, the consequences could be unimaginable.

The government and local authorities are dealing with this by demanding paid pre-booking for the most sought after destinations, and additional parking spaces or limitations in some key points, and there is evidence that this is having some positive effect.

Hotels should be able to inform clients about avoiding peak times at peak locations, along with other safety information. I cannot say whether this is being done sufficiently.

For example, Madeira sometimes suffers difficult weather conditions, when the walking trails are closed. However, some tourists travel regardless and put themselves, and often others in danger.

Another fair criticism is the way some tourists treat our rare natural resources. Damaging plants and trees, fences, and barriers in a quest for an enhanced experience. Some tourists treat our nature trails with contempt, leaving litter and even used toilet supplies in places that are there to be enjoyed by all.

Another less common issue now is lightning fires for barbecues or other purposes. Given the serious fires we have experienced over many years, no one should be taking this risk, EXCEPT in a designated barbecue zone.

Another growing complaint is camping illegally, anywhere on the island. Madeira has very little authorised camping space, and although it may not seem to be anything other than an eyesore, camping in tents, and sleeping in cars is considered an ugly and disrespectful practice.

But by far the biggest complaint is the straying from clearly marked trails, or breaking through into restricted areas, often just to take a selfie. There are now hefty fines for those who risk their lives, and sometimes those of others, through pure stupidity.

The island has excellent professional rescue crews, very well equipped with manpower, vehicles and a rescue helicopter when needed. But nothing annoys the locals more than when these teams have to risk their own lives to rescue a tourist who doesn’t respect safety rules or is just plain stupid.

That’s a summary of the anti-tourist lobby’s main grievances, there are probably even more. And of course they are not always tourists, but one can hope that both locals and immigrants know better their personal responsibilities.

This is really a fairly new phenomenon in times of very high tourism, but it irritates immensely both locals and immigrants, who post their photos of the offenders or their crimes on social media on a daily basis.

Most madeirans recognise that tourist income is absolutely essential for the island, any many work directly or indirectly in the sector. Nothing should be allowed to endanger this crucial relationship.

The government and local authorities are finally recognising these problems, and finally new control measures have appeared frequently over the last year or so. It’s a shame that once again matters were allowed to get out of control and these measures were not put in place before matters got out of hand.

Respect for the island and others will go a long a way in healing this growing rift with tourists.

UPDATE: 30 May 2025

Since the extreme right formed the main opposition in the elections a few days ago, it is getting ridiculous.

Unworthy news items are making the headlines in the 2 local newspapers, TV and social media, is getting flooded with anti tourist photos and offensive comments.

A few days ago, 4 immigrants were found to be sleeping in a shop basement. Probably wrong, but worse than the 125 (May 25) Madeirans living homeless in the streets of Funchal? They rarely make the news, even though their drug addictions and other bad behaviour seem to be accepted as normal these days. Even local TV covered this insignificant story in the shop basement.

Camping in unapproved locations. Some tents on a mountain, one case of camping in the historic centre of Funchal city, another on top of a breakwater in Ribeira Brava. Wrong? Ugly? Yes. Newsworthy, no.

Some young men playing in the fountain of the Rotunda do Infante at night. Disrespectful, yes! Criminal, no! But it’s all over the local press and social media.

The media are playing into the hands of Chega, the extreme right that loves to hate foreigners and spread their evil racism message.

If this continues to escalate, then tourism will be tarnished because a few individuals do not respect Madeira in some thoughtless and sparse moments.

Jornal da Madeira, Diário de Notícias, RTP-M. Get a life … a meaningful one that is not aimed at trashing tourism and real people. Get matters in perspective! Madeira is in a golden age for visitor numbers. Try keeping it that way.

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. Increasing levels of crime, and more serious crime problems, such as drug trafficking.

This issue is part of a broader discussion in Portugal regarding immigration and crime, which often sees conflicting narratives between public perception and official statistics.


Here’s a breakdown of what the information available suggests:


Public Perception vs. Statistics: While some media and public discourse in Portugal, including Madeira, link an increase in crime to immigration, some analyses suggest this idea is a “myth.” Studies indicate that in municipalities with a higher number of foreign citizens, the overall number of crimes has decreased or the crime ratio for total residents is lower.

However, it’s acknowledged that the media can contribute to feelings of insecurity by highlighting isolated newsworthy incidents involving immigrants, with more frequent and in-depth coverage.

Crime trends in Portugal are generally low, compared to most other countries and most crimes are non-violent.

In 2023, Portugal saw an 8.2% increase in total recorded crimes compared to 2022. However, these numbers are still lower than those seen in the early 2010s.


Property crimes, particularly theft, account for over half of reported crimes and are often linked to the rise in tourism.Violent and serious crimes (those involving physical or psychological violence) constituted a smaller percentage (3.8%) of all reported crimes in 2023. Robberies make up the majority of violent crimes.


Specific to Madeira, in 2021, there were 3 murders, 1,517 assaults, 107 incidents of theft in public places, and 239 incidents of theft from motor vehicles/carjackings. Pickpocketing, while infrequent, occurs mainly in some areas of Funchal. Data about the nationality of the criminals is not available.

Portugal is noted for drug trafficking, with cocaine being smuggled into the country, though most is then distributed throughout Europe. Brazilian and Russian drug traffickers, along with Portuguese individuals, are involved in usually distributing drugs.


Human trafficking and illegal immigration. Both have shown an alarming increase in investigations related to human trafficking (158% rise) and assistance with illegal immigration (298% increase) in Portugal in 2023. This is linked to labor exploitation and other abuses. Madeira accounts for a small percentage (3.9% of confirmed victims) of human trafficking cases in Portugal.

While studies generally disprove a direct link between overall immigration and increased crime, there is evidence of overstated involvement of non-nationals in justice statistics for certain crimes, such as robbery. This is likely due to policies and practices that lead to increased application of preventive detention and imprisonment upon non-nationals, compared to Portuguese nationals.

While there may be a public perception in Madeira linking increasing crime, including drug trafficking, to immigration, official data and sociological analyses across Portugal suggest inaccurate reporting because of the extra media coverage given to immigrant involvement in crimes.

This subject is in strong polical debate in Portugal at present as the extreme right party Chega, wants to prove that increasing crime is more prevalent in the immigrant community, than amongst Portuguese citizens. It wants this information to reinforce its racist policies to take further action against immigration. The other polical parties do not share these views, but the search for more detailed information on the criminals is generally considered necessary to prove or disprove Chega’s argument.

While some specific types of crime or certain trends may be observed, the broad assertion that immigration directly leads to a significant increase in serious crime is not consistently supported by available statistics. The rise in human trafficking and illegal immigration investigations, however, points to genuine concerns related to exploitation involving foreign criminals.

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. The employment of immigrants in precious jobs opportunities. This allegedly leading to increasing emigration of Madeirans to find work away from home. Also there is a wide perception that high immigration puts a downward pressure on wage structures for local people.

This has the origin of Fransisco Gomes of the extreme right political party, Chega, although often mentioned in social media too.

Madeira is in a golden age of employment. Unemployment is at its lowest level for many years, and continuing to decline.

The difficulty in filling vacancies has seen employers searching for staff overseas for several years now, and is still continuing.

Most emigration now is for one of several reasons.

  1. Job fit. Youngsters coming out of higher education cannot find suitable employment for their chosen field of work may try for work in Portugal, other countries in the EU, or even outside Europe.
  2. Lack of interest in agriculture and other low paying jobs, mainly in tourism.
  3. Family reunification, or the search for a better life away from Madeira. Housing prices and availability may be starting to have an effect on moving away for these reasons.

Immigrants are taking jobs because they are not attractive to Madeirans. Agriculture and tourism are common examples. Other more specialised jobs are being filled with immigrants simply because the skilled manpower is simply not available locally. Construction is the area in the spotlight currently.

So Madeirans are continuing to emigrate, but it is not in the masses previously recorded, nor through the absolute necessity to find work because the island cannot support the population in employment.

I used AI to look at the issue of downward pressure on wages as the connection, if it exists, is certainly not due to immigrants being employed to fill Madeira’s vacancies.

The relationship between low job wages and immigration in Portugal is complex and has been the subject of research. Here is a summary of what studies and reports indicate:


Impact on Madeirans wages is generally not significant, but some negative impact exists in specific groups of immigrants. Several studies suggest that immigration does not have a statistically significant or substantial negative impact on the average wages of native Portuguese workers.

However, some research points to a tendency towards a negative impact, especially in the lowest wage groups and for natives with low education levels. Men in these groups may also be more negatively affected than women.


There is a positive effect in high-skilled occupations, and some studies show a positive and statistically significant effect on native wages in high-skilled occupations, possibly due to increased productivity.


Public perception hower does not necessarily reflect research results. A significant portion of the Portuguese public (around 68.9% in one study) believes that the presence of migrants does affects wage levels, keeping them low, even though academic studies don’t find strong statistical proof.


Lower wages for immigrants is certainly a fact. Immigrants in Portugal, like in many other countries, generally earn lower wages than native workers. This wage gap can be substantial. One report states that immigrants earn 29% less than locals, on average.

This gap is often attributed to factors like undervaluation of foreign education and experience. Skills and qualifications acquired abroad may not be fully recognized or valued in the Portuguese labor market. Also the lack of language fluency is an important factor.


Discrimination and exclusion is also an important factor as immigrant workers can face discrimination, including “double discrimination” for being migrants and women.

Portuguese workers are less interested in, such as construction, agriculture, tourism, and services, which tend to have lower wages and less favorable working conditions.

Temporary or fixed-term contracts are more common for immigrants, which are often associated with lower wages. However, immigrant wages tend to catch up with native wages over time, as they gain experience in Portugal, this convergence is often incomplete, and they may never fully converge.

Minimum wage and other Portuguese legal requirements in employment are  equal for Portuguese and immigrant workers, although immigrants workers are often paid lower wages because their qualifications are not recognised in Portugal.

Future slowing of native wage growth is a strong possibility now, as Portugal’s political system swings towards the right and extreme right. Left wing political parties are fast becoming extinct. These parties were always the strongest defender of fair wages and decent working conditions for local workers.

In conclusion, while there isn’t a strong, consistent statistical correlation proving that immigration depresses native wages in Portugal, especially beyond certain low-skilled segments, it is clear that immigrants themselves often face lower wages and less favorable working conditions. This is partly due to the sectors they predominantly work in, the undervaluation of their skills, and other integration challenges. Immigrants play a vital role in filling labor demands in low-wage sectors that native workers often avoid.

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. The strain that immigration is putting on government provided services. Particularly those in the health service, education, and social security.

Before any analysis of any particular government service and the response to any strain or shortfall in services, the following should be taken into account.

  1. As specific data for Madeira Island is harder to find (or even doesn’t exist), Portugal continental data will mainly be used. As the numbers and percentages of immigrants are considerably higher on the mainland, this should easily suffice.
  2. Even where strain on these services exists, most of the responsibility must fall on Regional or National Government for not anticipating or reacting to immigration trends, and failing to understand the issues and providing accordingly.
  3. Emigration of Portuguese people, and particularly Madeirans, has always been high. Madeira is flush with vacancies at present, particularly in hospitality and construction. Candidates for these jobs are being actively recruited from overseas, both within Europe and also outside. Meanwhile emigration continues, and of course reduces the number of active seekers for government services here in Portugal, and using instead the equivalent services of the hosting countries.
  4. Entitlements for state services may differ within these recruitment initiatives to fill Madeira’s vacancies, particularly where the employment may be subject to temporary status, residence consent is not being sought, or is still being processed.
  5. Illegal immigration of course brings no entitlement for state provided services.
  6. Most information about government services being overloaded, either though higher demand or limited state resources, comes from social media and the political party Chega. Accordingly, they are sources of little credibility, but even so fairly numerous.

So, in no particular order, the state provided services considered here are:

A. Serviço Regional de Saúde (SRS).

While immigrants do contribute significantly to the Portuguese economy and their overall health indicators are generally more favorable, the perception exists and recent policy changes indicate that immigration is seen as a source of strain on Portuguese health service, particularly concerning the financial sustainability and resource allocation within the SRS/SNS. New rules aim to address these concerns by limiting access for non-contributing individuals (such as ‘health tourism).

Recent news reports that there are sufficient family doctors for the population of Madeira. However, complaints from Madeirans persist, saying that this is not the case for them.

Many immigrants have private health insurance, because they have the financial means, or require better services than those offered by the state. Other immigrants or short term visitors are obliged to arrange private health insurance because the new rules make it a condition of entry into Portugal.

For Portugal (everyone), the situation is of some level of private health insurance for between 30 and 35 percent of all the population.

The emergency services, the first point of entry for many immigrants and tourists, is the best managed aspect of the SRS, and although waiting time can be many hours, the system of triagem ensures that the most urgent cases are given priority. Unless locals feel that nationality should take priority over the most urgent cases, there really is no reason for complaints.

What happens after this, and also referrals by health officials outside the hospital, is, and always has been, a grave point of concern. Specialist consultants, non urgent surgery, and hospital follow up treatment have been concerns for many years. The statistics for waiting times are often disgraceful. These statistics were hidden for many years, but now it is common knowledge that these appointments can take up to 5 years, sometimes even longer. Racism unfortunately exists in the SRS, and although very hard to prove, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence that immigrant treatment slips down the waiting lists, and even the names disappear completely from the waiting lists.

The implication of this and other information suggests that any strain on the SRS/SNS is due to poor management,  underfunding and consequently under resourcing of services, with no real evidence of overloading by immigrants.

To finish, it should be noted that many medical staff complete their training, and then seek engagements in the private sector, or outside of Portugal, where wages and working conditions are considerably better

B. Segurança Social

immigrants are vital to the financial health of Portugal’s social security system, providing a net positive inflow of funds and helping to mitigate the difficulties posed by an aging population and declining workforce.

In 2022 the net positive inflow was over 1,604 million euros just from immigrants in Portugal.

Immigration contributions were sufficient to fund 17% of national pensions and retirements in 2023.

In 2024 foreign workers paid 12% of the total collected for social security in Portugal.

Of course there are outgoing funds, but the social security rules limit these to cases meeting qualifying rules. The proposal by Chega to only let immigrants use the social security system after 5 years of contributions is ridiculous and discrimatory.

C. Educação / Education

The increasing number of immigrant students does present challenges and a certain degree of strain on the Portuguese education system, but it needs to be presented as a “positive problem”, given its future benefits.

The biggest problem is the language barrier, as 25-30 percent of students do not speak Portuguese on entry into the education system. Arranging intensive Portuguese learning is a considerable challenge requiring specialist resources as a non maternal language.

Many schools do not have sufficient teachers, particularly for Portuguese, mathematics and computer science. This is an area that government should have resolved before it became a problem, and long before immigration even became a talking point.

However, declining birth rates are being addressed though immigration, reversing a downward trend that has lasted decades and has already closed many schools.

This alone is reviving Portugal’s worrying demographic situation, bringing benefits in education and for the future workforce requirements, and the added benefits for future tax contributions and the social security system.

Immigration is considered essential for Portugal’s economic functioning and social cohesion.

The Portuguese Ministry of Education acknowledges these challenges and is working on implementing mechanisms and programs to better integrate immigrant students.

Unfortunately, the barriers to integration, like racism, will considerably reduce these benefits for Portugal and Madeira, leaving many of these potential benefits at least partially unachievable.

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. Growing inflation for all basic needs, and in local shops and businesses.

As increasing house prices and rent were discussed in yesterday’s blog. Here is the AI response to the following question.

Q1: In Madeira locals accuse immigrants of being responsible for higher inflation. Ignoring housing inflation, is there any connection between higher prices in shops and businesses due to immigration?

A1: The relationship between immigration and inflation is complex and can vary depending on numerous factors. While it’s common for locals in areas experiencing an influx of immigrants or tourists, like Madeira, to associate this with rising prices, isolating the direct impact of immigration on shop and business prices requires careful consideration.
Here’s a breakdown of how immigration can affect prices in local markets, along with considerations for a place like Madeira:
Potential Connections Between Immigration and Higher Prices (excluding housing):
* Increased Demand: A larger population, due to immigration, generally means increased demand for goods and services. If supply doesn’t keep pace with this demand, prices can rise. This applies to everyday items in shops, as well as services from local businesses.
* Labor Market Dynamics:
   * Wage Pressure (less likely to cause general inflation): If immigration leads to a significant increase in the labor supply, it could reduce wage pressures, potentially lowering the costs for businesses and thus prices. However, if immigrants fill specialized roles or contribute to sectors with labor shortages, it might not have a broad disinflationary effect.
   * Increased Labor Costs in Specific Sectors: Conversely, if certain sectors rely heavily on a specific type of labor that becomes more expensive (e.g., due to higher demand or changing regulations), this could translate to higher prices for consumers.
* Shifting Consumer Preferences and Niche Markets: Immigrants often bring diverse culinary tastes and consumption patterns. This can lead to the emergence of new businesses catering to these demands, or existing businesses expanding their offerings. While this can be seen as a positive development, it might also contribute to a perception of “higher prices” if new, more specialized products are more expensive than traditional local fare.
* Indirect Effects from Economic Growth: Immigration can stimulate overall economic growth by expanding the labor force and increasing consumer spending. This growth, while beneficial, can sometimes put upward pressure on prices across various sectors if supply cannot quickly adjust.
* Island Economy Specifics: Island economies like Madeira often face unique challenges that can amplify price changes:
   * Import Dependency: Many goods are imported, making them susceptible to global price fluctuations and transport costs. An increased population demanding more imported goods could put pressure on supply chains and potentially increase prices.
   * Limited Local Production: If local production of certain goods or services is limited, an increase in demand from a larger population can quickly outstrip supply, leading to price hikes.
Why it’s difficult to draw a direct causal link:
* Multifactorial Inflation: Inflation is rarely caused by a single factor. Global supply chain issues, energy prices, government policies, and monetary policy all play significant roles. Attributing inflation solely to immigration ignores these broader economic forces.
* Supply-Side Effects of Immigration: Immigrants also contribute to the supply side of the economy by working in various sectors. This increased labor supply can help to offset inflationary pressures by improving productivity and alleviating labor shortages.
* Demand vs. Supply Balance: The net effect on prices depends on whether the increase in demand from immigration outpaces the increase in supply (both goods/services and labor) that immigrants contribute.
* Tourism vs. Permanent Residency: In Madeira, it’s also important to distinguish between the effects of tourism and permanent immigration. Both can increase demand, but permanent residents contribute to the labor force and local economy in a more sustained way. Madeira has seen a significant increase in both tourists and foreign residents.
In summary:
While it’s understandable for locals in Madeira to perceive a connection between increased immigration and higher prices, it’s generally an oversimplification to state that immigration directly causes widespread higher prices in shops and businesses, excluding housing.
Immigration can contribute to increased demand, which could lead to price increases if supply is inelastic, especially in an island economy with inherent limitations. However, immigrants also contribute to the economy by working, starting businesses, and increasing overall economic activity. The actual impact on prices is a complex interplay of demand and supply dynamics, alongside many other macroeconomic factors. Housing is often the most visible and directly impacted sector due to fixed supply and increased demand from all forms of population growth.

Q2: Is there any way of proving the allegation of the Madeirans, or at least measuring and providing statistics that prove or disprove the concept of higher inflation?

A2: Proving a direct causal link between immigration and higher prices in shops and businesses (excluding housing) in Madeira is challenging due to the complex nature of inflation. However, it’s possible to measure and analyze various economic indicators to provide statistical evidence that can either support or disprove the concept of higher inflation and offer insights into potential contributing factors.
Here’s how one could approach this, drawing on available data and general economic principles:
1. Analyze Consumer Price Index (CPI) Data by Category:
* Regional CPI Data: The Direção Regional de Estatística da Madeira (DREM) and Statistics Portugal (INE) publish CPI data for the Autonomous Region of Madeira, often broken down by categories (e.g., food and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear, transport, restaurants and hotels, recreation and culture, etc.).
* Exclude Housing: Focus on the CPI categories that represent goods and services in shops and businesses, explicitly excluding “Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.”
* Track Trends Over Time: Look at the historical trend of these non-housing CPI categories in Madeira. Are prices increasing at a faster rate than in previous periods? How does this compare to mainland Portugal or the Eurozone average?
* Identify High-Inflation Categories: Pinpoint specific categories (e.g., “Restaurants and Hotels” or “Food and non-alcoholic beverages” as noted in some search results) that show unusually high inflation. These are areas where increased demand from a growing population (immigrants and tourists) might be more immediately felt.
2. Correlate Inflation with Population Growth (Immigration and Tourism):
* Population Data: Obtain data on the number of foreign residents in Madeira and tourist arrivals over the same period as the inflation data. DREM provides population statistics and data on overnight stays by tourists.
* Correlation Analysis: Perform a statistical correlation analysis to see if there’s a significant positive correlation between the growth in foreign residents/tourists and the inflation rates in the non-housing CPI categories.
   * Caveat: Correlation does not equal causation. A strong correlation only suggests a relationship, not that one directly causes the other. Other factors could be at play.
3. Examine Wage Data and Labor Market Indicators:
* Wage Inflation: Look at average real wages and labor cost indexes in Madeira. If increased demand from a larger population is leading to labor shortages in certain sectors (e.g., hospitality, retail), this could drive up wages, which businesses might then pass on to consumers as higher prices.
* Unemployment Rates: A decreasing unemployment rate, especially if coupled with rising wages, could indicate tighter labor markets influenced by increased economic activity and demand.
4. Analyze Supply Chain and Import Dependency:
* Import Statistics: For an island economy like Madeira, understanding import volumes and prices for consumer goods is crucial. If a significant portion of goods in shops are imported, global supply chain issues or currency fluctuations could be major drivers of price increases, independent of local demand from immigration.
* Local Production Capacity: Assess if local production of goods and services is keeping pace with increased demand. If not, scarcity could push prices up.
5. Conduct Micro-Level Studies (More Complex but More Direct):
* Price Surveys: Conduct direct price surveys of a basket of common goods and services in shops and businesses over time, in areas with higher immigrant populations versus areas with stable local populations (if such a distinction is possible and meaningful).
* Business Surveys: Interview local shop and business owners to understand their perceptions of rising costs. Ask about factors influencing their pricing decisions, such as rent, labor costs, supply costs, and customer demand from different population groups.
* Regression Analysis (Econometric Modeling): This is the most sophisticated way to attempt to prove causality. It involves building a statistical model that controls for various factors known to influence inflation (e.g., global commodity prices, exchange rates, interest rates, mainland Portugal’s inflation, tourism levels, and then including immigration as a variable). This can help isolate the specific contribution of immigration to non-housing inflation. This would require detailed data and expertise.
What Statistics Would Be Key?
* Madeira’s Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) broken down by ECOICOP categories, specifically focusing on “Food and non-alcoholic beverages,” “Restaurants and hotels,” “Transport,” and “Miscellaneous goods and services,” while excluding “Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.”
* Annual and quarterly data on the number of foreign residents (by nationality if possible) in Madeira.
* Annual and quarterly data on tourist arrivals and overnight stays in Madeira.
* Average real wages and Labour Cost Index for Madeira.
* Unemployment rates in Madeira.
* Data on import volumes and values for consumer goods entering Madeira.
By meticulously collecting and analyzing these types of statistics, researchers can provide a more nuanced and evidence-based answer to the Madeirans’ allegations, either supporting or disproving the concept of immigration-driven inflation in shops and businesses (excluding housing). It’s crucial to remember that economic phenomena are rarely driven by a single factor, and a comprehensive analysis would consider all major contributors to inflation in Madeira.

Q3: What are the most likely causes of increasing inflation in an island like Madeira? Are they specific to Madeira, or could they be common to others European economies?

A3: The rising inflation in Madeira, like in many European economies, is a multifaceted issue driven by a combination of global, national, and local factors. However, island economies like Madeira often face specific challenges that can amplify inflationary pressures.
Here are the most likely causes of increasing inflation in Madeira, categorized by their nature, and whether they are specific to Madeira or common to other European economies:
I. Factors Specific to Madeira (and other Island Economies):
* High Import Dependency and Transport Costs:
   * Specificity: Islands, by nature, rely heavily on imports for most goods, from food to manufactured products and energy. This makes them highly susceptible to global price fluctuations and the cost of transportation (shipping and air freight). Any increase in fuel prices, container shipping rates, or global commodity prices will directly translate to higher costs for goods in Madeira’s shops.
   * Madeira Context: While part of the EU, Madeira’s geographical isolation means it has limited local production of many essential goods.
   * Commonality: This is a defining characteristic and major inflation driver for virtually all island economies globally, from the Pacific Islands to other European islands.
* Impact of Tourism (Demand-Side Pressure):
   * Specificity: Madeira is a hugely popular tourist destination, and the influx of visitors significantly increases demand for goods and services, particularly in sectors like restaurants, hotels, transport, and leisure activities. This surge in demand, if not met by a proportionate increase in supply, can lead to price increases (demand-pull inflation).
   * Madeira Context: The tourism sector is a cornerstone of Madeira’s economy. Recent reports indicate a rise in prices for “Restaurants and Hotels” in Madeira.
   * Commonality: This is a major factor for any economy with a significant tourism sector, especially smaller ones or islands where resources are relatively finite. Popular tourist destinations like Iceland, Malta, or Mediterranean islands often experience tourism-driven price pressures.
* Limited Local Production and Market Size:
   * Specificity: Due to their smaller land area and population, islands often have limited capacity for large-scale local production. This means less internal competition and a greater reliance on a few suppliers, potentially leading to higher markups.
   * Madeira Context: While efforts are made to promote local produce, the scale is often insufficient to meet the demands of a growing population (residents and tourists).
   * Commonality: Prevalent in many small island developing states (SIDS) and smaller regional economies.
* Housing Market Pressures (Indirect Impact on other prices):
   * Specificity (amplified): While the question asks to ignore housing inflation, it’s crucial to understand that skyrocketing housing costs (due to tourism, foreign investment, and immigration) can indirectly feed into other prices. Higher rents for businesses can lead to higher prices for their goods and services. Higher living costs for local workers can also lead to demands for higher wages, which businesses then pass on.
   * Madeira Context: Madeira has seen a significant increase in housing demand from foreign residents and short-term rentals.
   * Commonality: A major issue in highly desirable or growing urban centers, but particularly pronounced and impactful in island or constrained geographical areas.
II. Factors Common to Madeira and other European Economies:
* Global Supply Chain Disruptions:
   * Commonality: The post-pandemic period and ongoing geopolitical events (like the war in Ukraine, Red Sea crisis) have led to widespread disruptions in global supply chains. This includes delays, increased shipping costs, and shortages of raw materials and components, all of which push up production costs for businesses.
   * Madeira Context: As an import-dependent island, Madeira is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions.
   * Commonality: This has been a primary driver of inflation across the Eurozone and many other developed economies since late 2021/early 2022.
* Energy Price Volatility:
   * Commonality: Fluctuations in international oil and gas prices have a direct impact on inflation through transport costs, manufacturing costs, and utility bills.
   * Madeira Context: Madeira relies on imported fossil fuels for much of its energy, making it susceptible to these global price shifts.
   * Commonality: A major inflation driver across the EU, especially following the war in Ukraine, which significantly impacted gas prices.
* Food Price Inflation:
   * Commonality: Global food commodity prices can be influenced by weather events, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain issues. When these prices rise, they quickly pass through to consumer prices.
   * Madeira Context: Given its reliance on imported food, Madeira feels the full effect of global food inflation.
   * Commonality: Food inflation has been a persistent component of the overall inflation picture across Europe.
* Wage-Price Spiral Concerns / Labor Market Tightness:
   * Commonality: In tight labor markets, workers demand higher wages to compensate for rising costs of living. Businesses, facing higher labor costs, may then pass these costs on to consumers through higher prices, potentially creating a “wage-price spiral.”
   * Madeira Context: While the impact of immigration on wages can be debated, if labor shortages exist in key sectors (e.g., tourism, construction), wage pressures can emerge.
   * Commonality: This has been a significant concern for the European Central Bank (ECB) and other central banks as they monitor inflation.
* Monetary Policy and Fiscal Stimulus (Post-Pandemic):
   * Commonality: The extensive monetary easing (low interest rates, quantitative easing) and fiscal stimulus measures implemented during the pandemic injected significant liquidity into economies. This increased money supply can contribute to demand-pull inflation as economic activity rebounds.
   * Madeira Context: Madeira benefits from EU and Portuguese recovery funds, which contribute to economic activity.
   * Commonality: This was a broad factor contributing to inflation across Europe and North America.
In conclusion, while Madeira experiences many of the same inflationary pressures as mainland European economies (global supply chains, energy, food), its island nature and heavy reliance on tourism amplify certain factors, particularly import dependency and demand-side pressures in specific sectors. This combination creates a unique inflationary environment that can feel more acute to local residents.

CONCLUSION: Unproven without extensive and detailed studies.

The matters at the heart of widening divisions between Madeirans and immigrants. Housing accessibility for local people.

Starting with the main area of conflict, and my simple opinion, followed by a deeper analysis by AI.

Housing and accommodation availability and pricing. A general issue in Portugal, but a more serious and very valid concern in Madeira, due to the acute shortage of existing housing stock and the constraints of building on a mountainous island with limited building capacity.

Both purchasing pricing and rental costs have escalated hugely over the last 10 years. Combined with the generally low incomes of the Madeiran population, the situation is very complicated. The rental situation is not identical to that of purchasing, but here I will concentrate on the latter.

But why are immigrants held soley responsible for this situation?

House selling prices are generally determined between a real estate agent and the owner (or seller) of the property. That value is determined and set, knowing that prices have been escalating exponentially in recent years, and that demand far outstrips supply. Knowing that selling to an immigrant will be more lucrative surely comes into the discussion, especially knowing that foreign buyers are out there waiting for opportunities to arise.

It is true that generally the purchasing power of an immigrant is higher than that of a local, but not always the case. In most rural areas, or indeed anywhere outside of the Funchal costal strip and broader city centre, selling prices are lower.

So who can be blamed? The seller who wants the highest price possible, the selling agent (although it was not common to use selling agents 10 years ago) who wants the maximum selling commission possible and a good reputation, or the buyer who has the financial means to pay the asking price?

All of them? None of them? Or both? Or someone else?

New builds are in the highest growth period ever, and many of these are luxury builds in prime locations, often with prices exceeding 1 million Euros. The top limiting factor in this luxury market is construction manpower, and that is ever increasing in numbers through immigration, as the local skilled manpower is just not sufficient.

Should there be a social obligation on these luxury builds, to subsidise more accessible housing? Some sort of luxury tax, or affordable building commitment.

Another factor that has taken many properties off the housing market, is the considerable growth of Alojamento Local (short term letting, mainly for tourism). The licenses are controlled locally, and there is little evidence of councils refusing applications in areas where housing shortages are particularly acute.

Or should the government be blamed for creating the current housing crisis without fully considering the impacts on Madeira and the economy. The truth is that we have a Regional Government that is truly backpedaling to deal with this situation. A government that lacks foresight, ideas, vision, and innovation and barely even recognises the problem that exists with rising immigration and the housing market.

Yes, new affordable housing is being built by the Regional Government, but a the rate of just a few hundred units a year. Nothing like that what is needed by the local population. Just a thought … is there anything stopping immigrants buying these properties?

The Regional Government has a huge portfolio of ‘património’. Thousands of government owned items of all descriptions, including land and buildings. Unoccupied schools or health centres may be among these assets, for example.

Land and buildings unoccupied, that could be used to provide some relief in the housing market with relatively small investments. The limitations of some these could be overcome with self build or conversion schemes and local authority cooperation.

Then there is the concept of prefabricated homes. Imported, but still much cheaper than building, with a lead time of just a few months from order to construction.

Then there is the probable biggest source of empty housing in Madeira. Houses empty and abandoned, originally belonging to Madeirans that have emigrated or died, and with complex issues of inheritance due to Portuguese law. This would be the greatest instant source of housing, but the legal issues are very complex and difficult to resolve.

Some tax concessions have already been made to help buyers, but this could go much further with a political push.

Then banking and financing could play a part with schemes for joint ownership between friends, or shared ownership (part purchase, part rent).

Believe me, there are multiple options yet to be discussed to alleviate the housing crisis for both ownership and rental markets.

Now AI can share it’s far more complex opinion on the subject:

Q1. The island of Madeira is in a deep housing crisis with a huge shortage of options for either rental or purchase. The Madeirans blame soley immigrants for the problem. How do you analyse this situation?

A1: The housing crisis in Madeira is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and while immigration plays a role, attributing the problem solely to immigrants is an oversimplification and likely inaccurate. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Factors Contributing to Madeira’s Housing Crisis:
* Supply and Demand Imbalance:
   * Limited Supply: There’s a significant shortage of available housing for both rent and purchase. This is partly due to a lack of new construction, insufficient skilled workers, and rising costs of building materials and labor. Bureaucracy and legal uncertainty can also hinder construction.
   * Increased Demand:
     * Tourism and Short-Term Rentals (Alojamento Local): Madeira is a year-round tourist destination, and many properties are converted to short-term tourist accommodation due to the higher returns compared to long-term rentals. This significantly reduces the housing stock available for local residents.
     * Foreign Investment and Residency Schemes: Programs like the Golden Visa (though recently curtailed) and the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) scheme (which offers tax benefits) attracted foreign buyers and investors, including digital nomads, who often have higher purchasing power. This increased demand for mid-to-high-end properties, pushing prices up across the board.
     * Remote Workers (Digital Nomads): The rise of remote work has made Madeira an attractive location for digital nomads seeking a mild climate and good quality of life. While many are drawn by the “lower cost of living” compared to major Western cities, their presence can still drive up prices for locals.
     * Population Growth: While overall population growth in Madeira has been modest, the foreign resident population has seen a significant increase, representing a growing proportion of the total population.
* Speculation and Price Inflation:
   * Developer and Real Estate Agency Practices: Some analyses suggest that developers and real estate agencies capitalize on the housing shortage to increase their margins, leading to speculative inflation where prices are raised simply because buyers are desperate.
   * Property Overvaluation: There are indicators of a property bubble, with house prices significantly higher than rents and household incomes, suggesting properties are being overvalued.
* Government Policies and Regulations:
   * Rent Subsidies: While intended to help, some argue that policies focusing solely on rent subsidies without increasing supply can inadvertently push prices up by increasing purchasing power without addressing the fundamental imbalance.
   * Lack of Rigidity in Housing Supply: The market has been criticized for not responding adequately to the growing demand.
   * Taxation and Legal Uncertainty for Property Owners: Some property owners may be hesitant to rent out properties due to high taxes, legal uncertainties, and restrictions, further reducing the rental supply.
The Role of Immigrants (and how it’s often misinterpreted):
While it’s true that the influx of foreign residents, including digital nomads and those utilizing residency schemes, has contributed to increased demand, it’s crucial to understand the nuance:
* Increased Demand, Not Sole Cause: Immigrants are part of the increased demand, but they are not the sole or even necessarily the primary cause of the crisis. The underlying issues of limited supply, speculation, and the attractive nature of short-term rentals are fundamental.
* Purchasing Power Discrepancy: Foreign buyers often have higher disposable incomes or are looking for investment opportunities, which can outcompete local Madeirans for available properties. This creates a perception that immigrants are “taking” housing from locals.
* Perception vs. Reality: It’s easier to blame an external group (immigrants) for a complex problem than to acknowledge systemic issues within the housing market, government policies, and economic shifts. This can lead to resentment and xenophobia.
* Varied Impact: The impact of different types of immigrants varies. High-net-worth investors have a different effect on the luxury market than, for example, those seeking jobs in sectors with labor shortages.
Government Response:
The Madeiran government is aware of the crisis and has announced measures to address it, including:
* “Casa Própria” Programme: Building new properties at prices 30% below market value.
* Acquisition of Homes: Investing €128 million to acquire 805 affordable rental homes by 2026.
* Public Tenders for New Developments: Opening tenders for new housing developments to attract private developers and cooperatives.
* “Prahabitar Arrendamento” Program: Providing financial aid and rent support to eligible families.
* Support for Self-Built Homes: Launching a program to allocate construction-ready plots for residents to build their own homes.
Conclusion:
The Madeiran housing crisis is a multifaceted problem stemming from a significant imbalance between a limited supply of housing and rapidly increasing demand. While the arrival of immigrants, digital nomads, and foreign investors has undoubtedly contributed to the surge in demand and prices, it’s a symptom of a larger issue, not the sole cause. Blaming immigrants entirely ignores the critical roles of inadequate construction, speculative practices, the lucrative short-term rental market, and potentially insufficient or misdirected housing policies. A comprehensive solution requires addressing all these contributing factors, rather than focusing on a single scapegoat.

Q2: So if a plan to recover this desperate situation were to be developed. What would it be, and would be the key roles of the following parties. 1. Owner sellers 2. Real estate agencies 3. Potential buyers 4. Property developers 5. National Government 6.Regional Government 7. Local government (councils) 8. The authorities for finance and taxation.

A2: Developing a comprehensive plan to address Madeira’s desperate housing situation requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on increasing supply, regulating demand, ensuring affordability, and fostering transparency. Crucially, it demands significant coordination and a shared commitment from all stakeholders.
Here’s a possible plan with the key roles of each party:
A Comprehensive Plan for Sustainable Housing in Madeira
I. Overarching Vision: To create a sustainable, equitable, and accessible housing market in Madeira that prioritizes the needs of its long-term residents, while still welcoming visitors and responsible investment.
II. Core Pillars of the Plan:
* Accelerate and Diversify Housing Supply: Increase the number of available homes, particularly affordable and long-term rental options.
* Balance & Regulate Demand: Manage the impact of tourism and foreign investment on the residential housing stock.
* Ensure Affordability & Social Housing: Implement mechanisms to make housing accessible to Madeiran families, especially those with lower and middle incomes.
* Combat Speculation & Foster Transparency: Create a fairer market where housing is primarily for living, not just for financial speculation.
* Streamline Bureaucracy & Incentivize Desired Behavior: Remove obstacles to construction and encourage responsible property ownership and rental.
III. Key Roles and Actions of Each Party:
1. Owner-Sellers (Individual & Corporate Property Owners)
* Role: To contribute to the long-term rental market, maintain properties, and engage in fair transactions.
* Actions:
   * Prioritize Long-Term Rentals: Be incentivized (via tax breaks, reduced bureaucracy) to convert short-term tourist accommodation (Alojamento Local – AL) back into long-term residential rentals.
   * Fair Pricing: Resist speculative pricing and align asking prices with realistic market valuations that consider local purchasing power.
   * Property Maintenance: Ensure properties are well-maintained and meet minimum habitability standards for long-term tenants.
   * Transparency: Provide accurate information about the property’s condition, energy efficiency, and legal status.
   * Vacant Property Activation: Bring long-term vacant properties (not under active construction) back into the rental or sale market.
2. Real Estate Agencies
* Role: To facilitate transparent and ethical transactions, providing accurate market information and promoting fair pricing.
* Actions:
   * Ethical Pricing: Discourage and actively advise against speculative overpricing. Agencies should promote fair market valuations.
   * Market Transparency: Provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date market data to both sellers and buyers, including average prices per square meter in different areas.
   * Promote Local Initiatives: Inform potential buyers/renters about government affordable housing programs and incentives.
   * Discourage “Buy-to-Leave”: Actively discourage practices that lead to properties sitting empty for extended periods.
   * Professional Conduct: Adhere to strict ethical codes, avoiding conflicts of interest and predatory practices.
3. Potential Buyers (Especially Local Madeirans)
* Role: To make informed decisions, utilize available support programs, and collectively advocate for fair market practices.
* Actions:
   * Informed Decisions: Research market conditions thoroughly and understand the various government support programs available (subsidies, controlled interest rates).
   * Utilize Support: Actively apply for and utilize affordable housing schemes, public housing programs, and mortgage assistance where eligible.
   * Community Advocacy: Support local initiatives and policies aimed at creating more affordable housing and regulating the market.
   * Avoid Panic Buying: Resist the urge to buy at inflated prices due to fear of missing out, which further fuels the price spiral.
   * Explore Alternatives: Consider co-housing models, co-operatives, or self-build options if they become available and supported.
4. Property Developers
* Role: To significantly increase the supply of diverse housing types, with a strong focus on affordability and sustainability, while innovating construction processes.
* Actions:
   * Accelerate Construction: Implement efficient building techniques to shorten construction times.
   * Prioritize Affordable Housing: Dedicate a significant percentage of new developments (e.g., 20-30%) to affordable or social housing units, potentially in exchange for tax incentives or streamlined permits.
   * Diversify Housing Types: Build a range of housing types, including smaller units, family apartments, and modular homes to cater to different income levels and needs.
   * Sustainable Building: Incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs.
   * Brownfield Development: Focus on rehabilitating existing dilapidated buildings or developing on previously used land to limit urban sprawl.
   * Public-Private Partnerships: Actively seek partnerships with regional and local governments for large-scale affordable housing projects.
5. National Government (Republic of Portugal)
* Role: To establish overarching national policies, legal frameworks, and financial regulations that support housing affordability and curb speculation across the country, including Madeira.
* Actions:
   * Review/Reform Residency Schemes: Further review and adjust schemes like the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) status, potentially linking tax benefits to specific job creation or investment outside the housing market, or phasing out its housing-related aspects.
   * National Housing Law: Enact or strengthen national laws that provide a robust framework for housing rights, rent controls (if deemed appropriate and workable for specific market segments), and measures against speculation.
   * Financial Market Regulation: Collaborate with the banking sector to ensure responsible lending practices and prevent housing bubbles.
   * Broad Fiscal Policy: Implement national tax policies that disincentivize holding vacant properties or excessive real estate speculation (e.g., higher capital gains tax on short-term property flips).
   * Centralized Data: Develop a national, comprehensive, and publicly accessible database for property sales, rentals, and vacant properties.
6. Regional Government (Governo Regional da Madeira)
* Role: To develop and implement Madeira-specific housing strategies, manage regional land use, regulate tourism accommodation, and invest in essential infrastructure.
* Actions:
   * Regional Housing Master Plan: Create a detailed, long-term housing plan for Madeira, identifying areas for new construction, social housing, and urban rehabilitation.
   * Strict AL Regulation: Implement and rigorously enforce stricter regulations on Alojamento Local (AL), including:
     * Caps: Limit the number of AL licenses in certain high-demand residential zones.
     * Zoning Restrictions: Prohibit new AL licenses in designated “housing priority zones.”
     * Increased Fees/Taxes: Levy higher annual fees or municipal tourist taxes on AL properties to disincentivize their proliferation and fund affordable housing initiatives.
     * Enforcement: Strengthen inspection and enforcement to identify and fine illegal ALs.
   * Public Housing Investment: Direct significant regional funds towards building and acquiring properties for public rental housing, social housing, and rent-controlled schemes.
   * Land Bank: Create a regional land bank to acquire strategic plots for affordable housing development.
   * Infrastructure Investment: Ensure that new housing developments are supported by adequate infrastructure (roads, utilities, public transport, schools, healthcare).
   * Promote Diversification: Encourage economic diversification beyond tourism to reduce pressure on the housing market from purely tourist-driven demand.
7. Local Government (Câmaras Municipais – Municipal Councils)
* Role: To implement planning and zoning regulations, streamline local permitting processes, identify and activate vacant properties, and provide direct local support for residents.
* Actions:
   * Streamline Permitting: Drastically reduce bureaucratic delays in approving construction permits for residential projects, especially for affordable housing. Implement digital systems for faster processing.
   * Municipal Zoning: Adjust local zoning laws to allow for higher density residential development in appropriate areas and restrict new AL licenses in residential zones where housing is scarce.
   * Identify & Activate Vacant Properties: Conduct a comprehensive census of vacant properties within the municipality and implement escalating taxes or compulsory rental/sale orders for long-term vacant properties.
   * Municipal Housing Programs: Develop and manage local social housing projects, rent support programs, and initiatives to rehabilitate old buildings for affordable housing.
   * Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to understand their housing needs and ensure that new developments meet local requirements.
   * Support for Small Owners: Provide technical and financial support for small property owners to renovate properties for long-term rental.
8. The Authorities for Finance and Taxation (e.g., Ministry of Finance, Tax Authority, Bank of Portugal)
* Role: To design and implement fiscal policies that encourage long-term rentals and discourage speculation, while ensuring fair access to finance for homebuyers.
* Actions:
   * Differential Taxation:
     * Tax Incentives for Long-Term Rentals: Offer significant tax breaks (e.g., lower IRS rates on rental income, reduced IMI – municipal property tax) for owners who commit to long-term residential rentals.
     * Increased AL Taxation: Increase taxes on Alojamento Local income and/or property taxes for properties used exclusively for short-term rentals, especially if they are not the owner’s primary residence.
     * Vacant Property Tax: Implement a progressive municipal property tax (IMI) on long-term vacant residential properties.
     * Speculation Tax: Consider a higher capital gains tax on properties sold within a short period (e.g., 1-3 years) of purchase, especially if they were not the primary residence.
   * Mortgage Market Regulation: Ensure that banks maintain responsible lending criteria, preventing excessive debt accumulation while still allowing access to mortgages for qualified local buyers. Explore possibilities for state-backed guarantees or lower interest rates for first-time Madeiran homebuyers.
   * Combat Tax Evasion: Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure that all rental income, particularly from AL, is declared and taxed appropriately.
   * Data Sharing: Collaborate with other government levels to share financial and property data to identify market trends, speculation, and compliance issues.
IV. Implementation & Monitoring:
* Inter-Governmental Task Force: Establish a permanent task force with representatives from National, Regional, and Local Governments, as well as finance/tax authorities, to ensure continuous coordination and problem-solving.
* Data-Driven Decisions: Implement robust data collection and analysis to monitor market trends, measure the effectiveness of policies, and make necessary adjustments.
* Public Awareness Campaign: Educate the Madeiran population about the complexities of the housing crisis and the solutions being implemented, fostering understanding and reducing blame.
* Timeline with Milestones: Set clear, measurable goals and timelines for each action, with regular reviews and public reporting on progress.
This plan requires significant political will and a commitment to prioritize the housing needs of Madeiran residents over speculative gains or unchecked tourism growth. It’s a long-term endeavor but essential for the social and economic well-being of the island.

Q3: Does this plan address all the needs for a resolution of the crisis, or are there other parties that could make a notable difference? Does the plan take into account the factors that Madeira is a mountainous island with scarce building land, its lack of skilled resources locally, and its insularity with higher costs as a result?

Your critique is excellent and points to crucial limitations in the previous plan. While comprehensive in its initial scope, it did indeed miss some significant factors and potential factors unique to Madeira’s situation.
Here’s an analysis of what might still be missing and other parties that could make a notable difference, taking into account the specific challenges of Madeira:
Missing Factors and Unaddressed Needs:
* Scarce Building Land (Mountainous Terrain & Coastline Protection):
   * The plan implicitly touches on this by mentioning “brownfield development” and “land bank,” but it doesn’t explicitly highlight the extreme constraint of land availability. This isn’t just about finding plots; it’s about the engineering challenges and costs of building on steep terrain, the need for extensive retaining walls, and the environmental sensitivity of remaining green areas.
   * Unaddressed Need: Strategies specifically for optimizing land use on a mountainous island, including vertical expansion where appropriate, innovative foundational engineering, and a clear mapping of developable vs. protected areas.
* Lack of Skilled Resources (Local Labor Shortage):
   * The plan doesn’t directly address the shortage of skilled construction workers (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, engineers capable of complex hillside construction). This directly impacts the speed and cost of building. Even if permits are streamlined, if there aren’t enough qualified hands, construction won’t accelerate.
   * Unaddressed Need: Concrete strategies for training and retaining local skilled labor, or managing the responsible import of skilled labor.
* Insularity and Higher Costs:
   * Madeira’s island status means higher costs for importing building materials due to shipping and logistics. This significantly inflates construction costs, making affordable housing harder to achieve even with subsidies.
   * Unaddressed Need: Strategies to mitigate import costs, explore local material sourcing where possible, or specific financial incentives to offset these higher material costs for affordable housing projects.
* Energy Costs and Sustainability in Construction:
   * Related to insularity, energy costs are higher. The plan mentions “sustainable building,” but given the climate and high energy costs, specific emphasis on energy efficiency in new builds and renovations is crucial to reduce long-term living costs for residents.
* Long-Term Economic Diversification (Beyond Tourism/Real Estate):
   * While the plan mentions “diversify economy” under the Regional Government, it’s a critical underlying factor. An economy overly reliant on tourism and foreign real estate investment will always put immense pressure on housing.
   * Unaddressed Need: A more robust strategy for creating well-paying local jobs in other sectors that allow Madeirans to afford higher housing costs, or to shift the economic focus away from purely high-value foreign influx.
* Socio-Cultural Acceptance of New Housing Models:
   * The plan touches on “alternative housing models,” but there might be cultural resistance to higher-density living, smaller apartments, or co-living spaces, which are often necessary in land-scarce environments.
   * Unaddressed Need: Public education and engagement campaigns to foster acceptance of diverse and potentially more compact housing solutions.
Other Parties That Could Make a Notable Difference:
* Educational Institutions (Universities, Vocational Schools):
   * Role: Address the skilled labor shortage and promote innovative construction techniques.
   * Actions:
     * Develop specialized vocational training programs for construction trades, particularly those relevant to complex hillside building.
     * Collaborate with developers to create apprenticeship programs.
     * Offer degrees in urban planning, sustainable architecture, and civil engineering adapted to island environments.
     * Research and develop solutions for local material sourcing and cost-effective, sustainable construction methods.
* Local Building Material Suppliers and Logistics Companies:
   * Role: Contribute to cost reduction and supply chain efficiency.
   * Actions:
     * Work with developers and government to optimize bulk purchasing and delivery of materials.
     * Explore opportunities for local production of certain building components if feasible (e.g., pre-fabricated elements, aggregates).
     * Negotiate better shipping rates with carriers or explore consolidated cargo options.
* Local Communities and Residents’ Associations:
   * Role: Provide essential ground-level input, ensure social acceptance of new developments, and act as watchdogs.
   * Actions:
     * Actively participate in public consultations for new housing projects and zoning changes.
     * Identify specific local needs and challenges related to housing.
     * Monitor compliance with AL regulations and report violations.
     * Advocate for specific community-led housing initiatives.
     * Foster a sense of community responsibility for sustainable development.
* Banks and Financial Institutions (Beyond Central Authority):
   * Role: Directly influence mortgage accessibility and terms.
   * Actions:
     * Develop specific mortgage products tailored for Madeiran residents, potentially with lower down payment requirements or more flexible terms for affordable housing.
     * Collaborate with government subsidy programs to streamline financing for qualifying buyers.
     * Offer attractive financing for developers committed to affordable housing projects.
     * Implement stricter internal policies on lending for speculative purchases or properties that are likely to remain vacant.
* Tourism Industry Associations & Major Operators:
   * Role: Acknowledge their impact on the housing market and contribute to solutions.
   * Actions:
     * Support initiatives that balance tourism growth with residential housing needs.
     * Discourage the aggressive conversion of residential properties to AL.
     * Potentially contribute to a fund for affordable housing from tourism revenues.
     * Explore staff housing solutions for their employees to alleviate pressure on the general rental market.
* International Organizations and NGOs (e.g., focused on sustainable development, housing rights):
   * Role: Provide expertise, funding, and independent oversight.
   * Actions:
     * Offer technical assistance and best practices from other island or land-constrained regions facing similar housing crises.
     * Potentially provide grants or low-interest loans for sustainable and affordable housing projects.
     * Conduct independent assessments of the housing market and policy effectiveness.
By incorporating these additional parties and addressing the unique geographical, logistical, and socio-economic challenges of Madeira more explicitly, the plan would become even more robust and realistic for achieving a resolution to the housing crisis.

Q4: The probable biggest source of empty housing in Madeira are houses empty and abandoned, originally belonging to Madeirans that have emigrated or died, and with complex issues of inheritance due to Portuguese law. This would be the greatest instant source of housing, but the legal issues are very complex and difficult to resolve.

A4: You have hit upon one of the most critical and potentially transformative, yet incredibly challenging, aspects of Madeira’s housing crisis: the vast number of empty, abandoned properties tied up in complex inheritance issues. This is indeed a huge untapped resource.
My previous plan did mention “identifying and activating vacant properties,” but it did not adequately address the specific, deep-seated legal and bureaucratic hurdles associated with these particular types of properties. Let’s delve into why this is so complex and how a refined plan could tackle it.
The Elephant in the Room: Inherited Abandoned Properties
Why it’s so complex (Portuguese Law & Emigration Impact):
* “Forced Heirship” (Herança Legitimária): Portuguese law dictates that a fixed portion of a deceased person’s estate (a significant percentage, often 50-60%) must go to direct heirs (spouse, children, parents). This means even if a will exists, it can’t entirely disinherit these relatives.
* Multiple Heirs: Large families, especially from past generations where people often had many children, mean a single property can have dozens, even hundreds, of co-owners across generations. All typically need to agree on what to do with the property.
* Heirs Abroad (Emigration): A huge number of Madeirans emigrated over the decades, particularly to the Americas, Europe, and South Africa. Many descendants of the original owners are now living abroad, often with little connection to Madeira, sometimes unaware they even have a claim, or simply unwilling to engage in the bureaucratic process from afar.
* Unknown Heirs/Lack of Wills: If a person dies without a will (intestate), the law dictates the order of succession. Tracing these heirs, especially distant ones or those who emigrated and lost touch, can be a monumental task, involving extensive genealogical research.
* Bureaucratic Inertia & Cost: The legal process of inheritance in Portugal (habilitation of heirs, asset registration, division) can be slow, complex, and costly, involving notaries, lawyers, and multiple registries. Many heirs simply don’t have the time, money, or knowledge to pursue it.
* “Undivided Inheritance” (Herança Indivisa): Until an estate is formally settled and divided among heirs, it exists as an “undivided inheritance.” This means no single heir can unilaterally sell or act on the property.
* Taxation & Debts: Inherited properties can come with outstanding debts (e.g., municipal property tax – IMI) or require payment of stamp duty upon transfer of ownership. If heirs don’t want to pay these, the property remains in limbo.
* Physical Deterioration: Many of these properties have been empty for decades, falling into severe disrepair, making renovation very expensive, sometimes exceeding the value of the property itself.
How to Address This in a Refined Plan:
This specific issue needs a dedicated, multi-faceted approach, integrated into the roles of existing and potentially new parties.
1. Legal Reform & Streamlining (National & Regional Government, Authorities for Finance/Taxation):
* Simplified “Habilitação de Herdeiros” Process: Create a vastly simplified, fast-track, and low-cost legal procedure for cases involving long-abandoned properties with multiple or unknown heirs, especially where property value is low.
* “Presumption of Abandonment” Law: Introduce a legal mechanism where, after a specified period of verifiable abandonment (e.g., 10-15 years with no tax payments, no utility usage, no known heirs or contact attempts), the property can be legally presumed abandoned.
* Facilitated State Acquisition: Streamline the process for the State (or municipality) to acquire truly abandoned properties where no heirs can be found or identified after diligent public notice and investigation. The current law allows for the State to inherit if no other heirs are found, but the process is slow.
* Digitalization of Records: Invest heavily in digitalizing land registry, cadastre, and civil registry records to make tracing property ownership and inheritance lines faster and more accurate.
* Tax Incentives for Resolution: Offer significant tax breaks (e.g., reduced stamp duty, IMI exemptions for a period) for heirs who do come forward and formalize their inheritance, committing to selling or renting the property within a set timeframe.
* Disincentives for Inaction: Implement escalating vacant property taxes (IMI) that apply aggressively to documented inherited properties where heirs exist but refuse to act, to pressure them into resolving the situation.
2. Specialized Government Units & Resources (Regional & Local Government):
* “Inheritance Resolution Task Force”: Create a dedicated multi-disciplinary task force at the regional or municipal level, comprising legal experts, genealogists, social workers (for outreach), and land registry officials.
* Proactive Heir Tracing: This task force would actively research and attempt to locate heirs of abandoned properties, including using international networks and diplomatic channels if necessary.
* Public Information Campaigns: Launch targeted campaigns (including in diaspora communities) to inform potential heirs about the legal processes, potential tax benefits, and available support to resolve inheritance issues.
* Mediation Services: Offer free or low-cost mediation services for co-heirs who are struggling to agree on the future of a property.
* “Municipal Property Rehabilitation Funds”: Establish municipal funds to acquire these properties (via facilitated acquisition or compulsory purchase for public interest), rehabilitate them, and then make them available as affordable housing. The cost of rehabilitation can be recovered through subsequent affordable rental or sale.
3. New / Emphasized Roles:
* Legal Professionals (Lawyers, Notaries):
   * Role: Facilitate complex inheritance proceedings, advise heirs, and expedite property formalization.
   * Actions: Offer pro-bono or subsidized legal aid clinics for low-income individuals facing inheritance challenges. Develop expertise in international inheritance law relevant to the Madeiran diaspora.
* Genealogists:
   * Role: Crucial for tracing distant or unknown heirs of abandoned properties.
   * Actions: Collaborate directly with the “Inheritance Resolution Task Force” to undertake professional genealogical research.
* Madeiran Diaspora Organizations:
   * Role: Serve as a bridge to connect with potential heirs living abroad, disseminate information, and potentially facilitate communication.
   * Actions: Partner with regional and local governments to share information on inheritance resolution programs and connect with individuals in their communities who might have claims to Madeiran properties.
* International Consulates/Embassies (Portuguese & Foreign):
   * Role: Assist in locating and communicating with heirs abroad.
   * Actions: Provide contact information for heirs (within privacy laws), verify documents, and facilitate legal processes for citizens residing in their respective countries.
Integration into the Broader Plan:
* This strategy directly feeds into the “Increase Supply & Accelerate Construction” pillar by unlocking existing housing stock.
* It supports “Promote Affordability & Social Housing” if the rehabilitated properties are then channeled into affordable housing programs.
* It directly addresses “Combat Speculation & Foster Transparency” by bringing dormant assets back into productive use and formalizing ownership.
* It requires significant action from National, Regional, and Local Governments in terms of legal reform, resource allocation, and direct intervention.
* It leverages Authorities for Finance and Taxation for critical incentives and disincentives.
While resolving these complex inheritance issues is not a quick fix, it holds the potential to be the single largest source of readily available housing stock in Madeira. It requires sustained political will, significant investment in legal and administrative resources, and a patient, empathetic approach to the human stories behind these abandoned homes.

Racism in Europe

https://orda.shef.ac.uk/articles/figure/European_map_of_Implicit_Racial_Bias/4750588

This was produced by Sheffield University in England in 2017. The study and analysis methods are available from the URL above.

The more red, the worse the racism is … in the simplest terms. Portugal is like a red wine stain, Madeira is likely to be even worse. Even many mainland portuguese visitors or residents feel a level of resistance within the Madeiran community.

It is clear that in Portugal matters have worsened. Sundays election results here support that. The local resentment in Madeira about accessible property availability and prices, and the list of the other six negatives published last week show that the divide is widening in the acceptance of immigrants in Madeiran society.

I will talk about all 7 of these divides in forthcoming blogs, and then I need to start some case studies. In this I really need the help and experience of others. I can use AI to provide statistics and opinions, but it cannot possibly help with the human emotions involved.

I am thinking of starting in Spain, in the Spanish Canary and Balearic islands. There are some similarities there. I am open to other suggestions of course to cases comparable to Madeira. Even the Costa del Sol (a huge, mainly British, conclave on the south coast of Spain).

There are some key important differences in which ever locations are selected to study. For example:

  1. The level of present racism and that which came before.
  2. The type of immigrants. This study needs to focus on legal immigrants. The Spanish islands, for example, have experienced large numbers of illegal immigrants especially from North Africa. Immigrants from outside Europe, looking for asylum, or even refugee status.
  3. An island subject is different from an inland area with immigration problems. The element of containment and island type mentatilties must make a difference to attitudes and tolerances.

If anyone can assist with these studies, I would be very grateful for any help. I am not looking for one off experiences, or “I heard about” situations. This really needs someone with experience like my own that has seen these immigration issues develop over a considerable period of time. Thank you

Yesterday’s election results for Portugal and Madeira Island

Starting with the national situation (AI assisted):

* Democratic Alliance (AD):
   * Led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, the center-right AD won the election.
   * They secured approximately 32.7% of the vote.
   * They gained 89 seats in the 230-seat parliament.
   * This represents an increase in seats compared to the 2024 election.

* Socialist Party (PS):
   * The PS suffered significant losses.
   * They obtained approximately 23% of the vote.
   * They secured 58 seats.
   * This is a substantial decrease in seats from the 2024 election.
  
* Chega (CH):
   * The far-right Chega party experienced a significant surge.
   * They obtained 22.6% of the vote yesterday, but await the results of the overseas ballots which should give one more mandate
   * They also secured 58 seats (+2?)
   * This is a notable increase in seats compared to the 2024 election, highlighting the rise of far-right influence in Portuguese politics.

* Key Observations:
   * The election resulted in another minority government, indicating continued political fragmentation.
   * Chega’s strong performance has significantly altered the Portuguese political landscape.
   * The Socialist party suffered a large loss of seats, along with other left wing parties, leaving the left with very little political representation.

There are 4 mandates yet undetermined in these results. These are based on votes from Portuguese emigrants. Chega won 2 of these mandates in the previous elections.

The situation in Madeira was similar to the above, and of course was incorporated in the national summary above.

AD won in almost all of Madeira. However Chega achieved their best result ever, and displaced the other political parties to easily become the  second most supported party in Madeira. After regional elections in March 2025, they were the 4th political force.

AD 41% (3), Chega 21%, PS 13%, JPP 12% filled the 6 mandates for Lisbon. Abstention 45%

What does this mean for Madeira and it’s representation in the Republic? Chega grew immensely through its anti-immigration pledge. Other campaign matters were much the same across all parties with representation.

What does this mean for immigrants in Madeira? At this stage, nothing tangible for those with and waiting for residency status. These immigrants are secured though the Constitution and existing laws (incorporated through EU legislation).

However, the huge surge in support for Chega, substantially through its anti immigration propaganda has given the party much more visibility and legitimacy, and without any doubt will be more active and noticeable in voicing its racist and hate stance.

I spent some time today browsing immigrant social media and news sites, and so far the situation has not received a single mention. Immigrants, having no presence in Madeiran politics, have either not been aware of yesterday’s events or just don’t care.

For Chega to have any chance in fulfilling its ambitions to rid Madeira of legal immigrants, Portugal would have to leave Europe. That is extremely unlikely to happen in the near future, even if they managed a majority coalition with AD.

However the Constitution of Portugal can be changed, along with portuguese laws (simple majority). Certain parts cannot be changed, other parts can be amended with a two thirds majority (154) in the Portuguese Parliament. This could theoretically happen with full collaboration between the three right to extreme right parties. Although this seems unlikely, as AD has said on numerous occasions that it will not work with Chega. However, as the two parties had already agreed a form of coalition in the Azores Regional Parliament, that cannot be entirely believed. For example, approval of the 2026 state budget proposal of AD will be very challenging later this year without the support of Chega. As governments without an overall majority often do, there will be some cross voting that will grant some concessions to the smaller party.

Portugal has 2.3 million emigrants throughout all foreign countries. The majority within Europe. Unfortunately I couldn’t find separate statistics for Madeira, but certainly the number is in hundreds of thousands. If Portugal were to leave Europe in the coming years, the impact of returnees would be unthinkable.

This page outlines what AI found regarding matters of immigration, emigration, free movement, and residency and other rights as defined by the Portuguese Constitution, EU law (enshrined in Portuguese law), and Schengen rights.

Not really interesting reading, but included here because this information is crucial to prove and defend the rights of those entitled to enjoy the benefits of EU membership, in other member states.

These are are not the complete laws that cover individuals rights and duties, but do provide references to research further information.

These will provide the legal basis for challenging attempts to ethnically cleanse Portugal, as stated by the extreme right political party “Chega”, whilst Portugal is a member of the European Union.

The Portuguese Constitution, enacted in 1976 and subsequently amended, lays down the fundamental principles and rights within the Portuguese Republic. While it doesn’t have specific sections dedicated solely to “immigrants” or “free movement within the EU” in the way that specific laws do, it establishes overarching principles that are relevant to these topics:
Regarding Foreigners and EU Citizens (Relevant Articles):
* Article 15 (Foreigners, stateless persons, European citizens): This is a crucial article. It states:
   * “Foreigners and stateless persons who find themselves or who reside in Portugal enjoy the same rights and are subject to the same duties as Portuguese citizens.” This establishes a principle of equality, although it can be subject to exceptions defined by law (e.g., political rights like voting, which may have specific conditions or reciprocity agreements).
   * “Under reciprocal terms, the law may accord foreigners who reside in Portugal the eligibility to vote for and stand for election as officeholders of local authority organs.” This allows for the possibility of granting voting rights to foreign residents at the local level, based on agreements with their home countries.
   * “Citizens of European Union member states enjoy, in Portugal, the rights that are conferred upon them by the treaties and by the law.” This directly addresses EU citizens, acknowledging their specific rights derived from EU law, including the right to free movement and residence.
* Article 33 (Deportation, extradition and right of asylum): While focusing on limitations of state power, this article also touches on the rights of foreigners:
   * It prohibits the deportation of Portuguese citizens.
   * It states that the deportation of those who have legally entered or reside in Portugal, have a residence permit, or have an asylum request pending can only be ordered by a judicial authority, ensuring due process.
   * It guarantees the right of asylum to foreigners and stateless persons facing persecution due to their activities in favor of democracy, social and national liberation, peace among peoples, freedom, or human rights.
* Article 44 (Right to travel and to emigrate):
   * While primarily focused on Portuguese citizens, guaranteeing their right to travel and settle freely within Portugal and to emigrate and return, this right implicitly acknowledges the movement of people across borders.
* Article 12 (Principle of universality): States that every citizen enjoys the rights and is subject to the duties enshrined in the Constitution. While Article 15 extends many of these rights to foreigners, Article 12 establishes the baseline for citizens.
* Article 13 (Principle of equality): Prohibits discrimination based on various grounds, including origin, which is relevant to the treatment of foreigners.
Regarding Free Movement within the EU:
The Constitution itself doesn’t detail the specifics of free movement within the EU. However, Article 15(3) explicitly recognizes that EU citizens enjoy the rights conferred upon them by the EU Treaties and Portuguese law. This means that the rights to enter, reside, work, and equal treatment for EU citizens in Portugal are primarily derived from Directive 2004/38/EC (as discussed previously) and its transposition into Portuguese law (primarily Law No. 37/2006), as mandated by Portugal’s membership in the European Union, which is a constitutional reality.
In Summary:
The Portuguese Constitution lays the groundwork for the treatment of foreigners and EU citizens in Portugal through principles of equality and by acknowledging the specific rights granted by EU law. It guarantees fundamental rights and due process to all individuals within Portuguese territory, including non-citizens, while also recognizing the distinct status and rights of EU citizens under the framework of the European Union. The specifics of entry, stay, and other aspects of immigration and free movement are then detailed in specific laws and regulations.

While there isn’t one single law that encompasses all aspects of immigration in Portugal with a specific reference number like a “Portuguese Immigration Act,” the legal framework is comprised of several key pieces of legislation. Here’s an overview of some important laws and what they generally cover:
Key Laws and Regulations:
* Law No. 23/2007, of 4 July: This law, often referred to as the “Immigration Law,” establishes the legal regime for the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals from Portuguese territory. It outlines different types of visas (short-stay, temporary stay, residence), conditions for entry and stay, family reunification, and the process for obtaining residence permits. Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007 of 5 November further regulates this law.
* Law No. 37/2006, of 9 August: This law regulates the freedom of movement and the right of residence of European Union citizens and their family members, transposing Directive No. 2004/38/EC. It details the rights and obligations of EU citizens residing in Portugal. It has been amended by Decree-Law No. 41/2023, of June 2, which created the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
* Decree-Law No. 10-A/2020, of 13 March (as amended): This decree-law has introduced temporary measures related to the validity of documents and visas due to the pandemic. Importantly, Article 16, paragraphs 1 and 8, currently states that documents and visas related to stay in Portugal that expired after February 22, 2020, are valid until June 30, 2025, and are accepted by Portuguese authorities for all legal purposes. This includes residence permits, EU citizen registration certificates, residence cards, and various types of visas.
* Regulatory Decree No. 1/2024, of 17 January: This decree modifies the regulation of the Law on Foreigners (Law No. 23/2007). The specifics of these modifications would require a detailed review of the decree.
* Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024, of 3 June: This recent decree revokes the procedures for residence permits based on the expression of interest. This signifies a change in how some immigrants can regularize their status in Portugal.
* Various Ordinances and Orders address specific aspects of immigration, such as procedures for student visas, the Tech Visa program, the Startup Visa program, and the now-defunct Golden Visa program (ARI). Examples include Ordinance No. 111/2019, of 12 April (foreign students visas) and Legislative Order No. 4/2018, of 2 February (Startup Visa).
What These Laws Generally Say:
These laws collectively establish the rules and procedures for:
* Entry into Portugal: Defining who needs a visa, the types of visas available (tourist, work, study, family reunification, etc.), and the requirements for each.
* Staying in Portugal: Regulating the conditions for temporary and permanent residence permits, their validity and renewal processes, and the rights and obligations of residents.
* Working in Portugal: Outlining the requirements for work visas and permits, and the rights of foreign workers.
* Family Reunification: Specifying the conditions under which family members of legal residents can join them in Portugal.
* Removal from Portugal: Defining the grounds and procedures for the expulsion or deportation of foreign nationals.
* Rights of Immigrants: While not a single document, the body of these laws, along with general Portuguese law and international agreements, grants immigrants certain rights, including access to essential services like healthcare and education, and protection under labor laws. However, the specifics can vary based on their legal status.
* Integration: Recent policy changes and discussions indicate a growing focus on the integration of immigrants into Portuguese society, including language training and access to services.
Important Considerations:
* Immigration law is subject to change, so it’s crucial to consult the most up-to-date official sources or legal professionals for specific situations.
* The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is now the primary government agency responsible for immigration and asylum matters in Portugal, having replaced the former SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).

This section on the Schengen Agreement is for completeness only, as it really only covers the practical aspects of individuals moving between countries .

The term “Schengen” primarily refers to two key elements:
* The Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention: These are the foundational treaties that led to the creation of the Schengen Area.
   * Signed in Schengen, Luxembourg in 1985 and 1990 respectively, by an initial group of European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands).
   * Their core aim was the gradual abolition of checks at their internal borders and the introduction of freedom of movement for people.
   * They also laid down rules for harmonizing visa policies, strengthening external border controls, and fostering police and judicial cooperation.
* The Schengen Area: This is the zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.
   * It functions largely as a single jurisdiction for international travel with regard to internal border controls.
   * Who can travel freely within the Schengen Area?
     * Citizens of Schengen countries: Can cross internal borders without passport checks. However, carrying an ID card or passport is still recommended as identity checks can occur.
     * Third-country nationals holding a valid Schengen visa: Can generally travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa is usually issued by the first Schengen country of entry.
     * Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit from a Schengen country: Can generally travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Key Aspects of the Schengen Framework:
* Abolition of Internal Border Controls: This is the most visible aspect, allowing for seamless travel between Schengen countries.
* Strengthening of External Border Controls: As internal borders are relaxed, external borders of the Schengen Area are reinforced with stricter checks to ensure security.
* Common Visa Policy: The Schengen Area has a common policy for short-stay visas, allowing a single visa to be valid for travel within the entire zone.
* Schengen Information System (SIS): This is a large-scale, computerized database used by Schengen countries to share information on individuals and objects for purposes of border control, law enforcement, and judicial cooperation. It contains alerts on wanted or missing persons, criminals, and stolen property.
* Police and Judicial Cooperation: The Schengen framework facilitates cooperation between law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities of member states to combat crime and enhance security.
Member Countries of the Schengen Area (as of May 2025):
* Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Important Considerations:
* While internal border controls are generally abolished, temporary controls can be reintroduced by member states in exceptional circumstances for a limited period due to security concerns or public order.
* The rules of the Schengen Area apply to short stays (up to 90 days). Long-term stays (e.g., for work or study exceeding 90 days) are governed by the national immigration laws of the specific Schengen country.
* Not all EU member states are part of the Schengen Area (e.g., Ireland and Cyprus). Similarly, some non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are part of the Schengen Area.
In essence, “Schengen” signifies a zone of passport-free travel across much of Europe, underpinned by agreements on border security, visa policies, and law enforcement cooperation. It facilitates the movement of people for tourism, business, and personal reasons, making travel within the area significantly easier for millions of people.

Why is there so much hatred towards foreigners in the Madeiran community?

I read several times the contents about immigrants and the intentions of the extreme right party Chega from its press briefing yesterday (blog 16th May).

The hatred is really quite shocking! … and worrying. Not so much that it is clear that Chega appears to want to take Portugal out of Europe and Schengen, a type of ‘Prexit’, but more so because it is hard to tell how this dialogue is affecting the voters, especially the young people that seemed at one time to be breaking out of the historical cycle of foreigner hatred.

Continental Portugal, during tomorrow’s voting for a new government, is expected to reduce it’s support for Chega nationally, from its current 50 mandates. There could be several reasons for the polls forecasting this outcome, the most likely being the need for stability in government which has been fundamentally lacking before and since the previous minority government resigned.

HHowever, in Madeira, there are 6 places available for deputies in the national government structure.

Tomorrow’s election results will show whether Madeira voted more for Chega than in previous elections, and how much influence that Chega Madeira had over Madeira’s voters over the past few campaign weeks.

Taking account of the newer grievances against foreigners:  I listed 7 main grievances this week, of which lack of availability of affordable housing was top of the list. It will be impossible to determine the exact reasons for any changes that may occur tomorrow.

So, is it important and relevant to determine the origins of the hatred, back to the beginning of Madeira’s short populated history?

Was there some massive betrayal by foreigners or particular countries? I couldn’t find anything external at all during my research into the matter. The feeling that Portugal’s own government has always put Madeira at the bottom of its priority list is as strong as ever however.

Do Madeirans want to hide the islands history from outsiders for some reasons? Here I did find some catastrophic and shameful matters, but some were way back in time.

In current times the Madeiran culture still has some shameful track records and very unpleasant traditions that are well worth hiding. Some have come and gone, others still very much in evidence.

The main ones are:

Fires set by early settlers to clear the dense forests of Madeira burned for nearly seven years and consumed approximately two-thirds of the island’s vegetation. This vegetation was primarily composed of the native Laurissilva forest, a unique subtropical laurel forest of immense ecological value.

Fire still has a devastating effect on Madeira, even today. Some landowners refuse to clean their land, and forests and wasteland are of course vulnerable in hot dry weather. There are serious or even catastrophic fires every year, often caused by arsonists, others caused by deliberately and illegally burning rubbish near to vulnerable areas and the hot cinders spread. The legal penalties in both cases are surprisingly lenient.

Slavery played a significant role in the sugarcane industry of Madeira. Introduced with the expansion of sugar plantations around 1455, enslaved people, primarily from North and West Africa and the nearby Canary Islands (Guanches), provided labor for the demanding work of cultivating and processing sugarcane. By the 16th century, enslaved Africans constituted about 10% of Madeira’s population.

Slaves were also in the back-breaking tasks of clearing land, constructing the vital irrigation channels known as levadas, planting, harvesting, and transporting the sugarcane. The model of sugar production established in Madeira, relying on enslaved labor, became a blueprint for the later plantation systems in the Caribbean and Brazil. Slavery in Madeira was abolished in 1775.

Enslaved Africans and Guanches toiled relentlessly in Madeira’s rugged terrain to build the water channels known as levadas. This irrigation network, snaking across steep cliffs and through dense forests, was constructed under perilous conditions. Landslides, falls from great heights, and accidents with tools were constant threats. The brutal pace of work, coupled with inadequate food and harsh treatment, led to exhaustion, disease, and tragically, many deaths among the enslaved people. Their immense suffering and loss are an indelible part of Madeira’s history.

While slavery is a dark chapter in Madeira’s past, the exploitation of the poor by wealthy landowners continued even after its abolition. For generations, many Madeirans faced significant hardship due to the unequal distribution of land and power.


Wealthy families often controlled vast estates, leaving the majority of the population with limited access to land for cultivation or housing. This created a system of dependency where the poor were forced to work as laborers or tenant farmers under often exploitative conditions. Low wages, precarious work, and a lack of opportunities trapped many in a cycle of poverty.


These landowners often exerted considerable social and political influence, further marginalizing the poor and hindering any meaningful efforts towards social reform. While the stark brutality of slavery was gone, the systemic inequalities persisted, leaving a legacy of hardship for many Madeiran families.

Corruption and fraud have haunted Madeira since early times. Huge cases against Madeira’s only two democratically elected presidents, Alberto João Jardim and Miguel Albuquerque, are theoretically still ongoing but unlikely to ever be resolved due to corrupt justice, and inequality, which protects the rich and powerful.

Corruption is part of daily life in Madeira in some form or another. It seems more like a Latin America scenario rather than what modern Europe has aimed to become.

Other areas of shame and disgust that still continue today include:

Dumping anything that’s no longer of use in any convenient place. Household appliances dumped in rivers, any type of household waste dumped in woodlands and streams. Chemical waste and products disposed of in lavadas. Most of this ends up in the sea eventually. New laws and greater policing has improved matters over recent years, and the environment is slowly recovering. However, paying for disposable is a deterrent for many, and dumping is still taking place.

Drugs are an ever increasing problem. They are everywhere from schools to night life. Being a fairly small island you would think that containing the problem would be much easier than a mainland location. But the problem keeps growing. The crimes associated with drug addiction and drug trafficking of course grow proportionately.

Animal abuse and neglect, and particularly customs that maim or kill animals barbarically. However, dogs and cats only are now protected by new laws, with multiple support organisations now working for their protection and welfare.

Domestic violence (Madeira has the worst record in Portugal)

Bullying in schools and of elderly people. One horrifying trait is abandoning old or disabled family members at home alone, or even leaving them in hospitals, never to return. 1,749 cases referred to Child Protection in 2024.

Sexual abuse of minors

Racial discrimination and xenophobia

Even witchcraft still exists!

THIS WAS NOT INTENDED TO BE A LIST OF DEFECTS IN MADEIRA SOCIETY, JUST SOME PROBLEMS PAST AND PRESENT THAT ONE MIGHT CONSIDER SHAMEFUL AND DIFFICULT TO IGNORE

Some newspaper clippings (translated from Portuguese) leading up the the general election on 18th May 2025

This first one is from the moderate left party Bloco de esquerda.

Left Bloc in defense of immigrants criticizes Chega’s “xenophobic discourse”.


In a press release, the Left Bloc candidate for the national legislative elections defends immigrants working in the Region, criticizing “the xenophobic discourse” of the Chega party candidate.


“During this campaign, the Left Bloc has had the opportunity to contact some immigrants who are working in hotels and restaurants, some for more than two years. They have employment contracts, pay Social Security, IRS (personal income tax) and all taxes, but their situation has not yet been regularized by the Portuguese State services. They are not the only ones. They know others in the same situation.”


The Left Bloc candidate from Madeira for the national legislative elections considers that “this failure of public services to respond to immigrants’ regularization requests means that they do not have their documents up to date. This is a determining factor for the inclusion of anyone who leaves their country in search of a better life, but it is also a fact used to create a stigma against immigrants, difficult to understand in a Region where there is an emigrant in every family, who saw in the past, and continue to see in the present, their children leave Madeira in search of better living, personal and professional conditions.”


There is also another important factor, Diogo Teixeira points out: “immigrants are fundamental to the economy of the country and the Region in various sectors of activity, especially those that grow the most such as tourism, and they are important net contributors to currently guarantee the payment of pensions for thousands of Portuguese people.”

From the Jornal da Madeira 12-5-2025

***

This second one from the extreme right candidate (hoping to represent Madeira Island).

Chega claims to be the only party capable of “expelling” illegal immigrants.


The deputy and Chega candidate for the Assembly of the Republic, Francisco Gomes, stated, in the last campaign event before Sunday’s elections, that Chega is the only political response to immigration, which, in his view, is out of control and threatening social cohesion, security, and national identity.


According to the deputy, only Chega has the courage, determination, and political capacity to expel immigrants who, he says, “take advantage of the efforts of good Portuguese people and return Portugal to its legitimate heirs.”


Francisco Gomes stated that there are already about two million immigrants in the national territory and, with family reunification, that number could quickly exceed four million, which he considers “an unbearable value for Portuguese society and for the sustainability of our culture.”


“Portugal is being transformed into a territory of Islamic affirmation and the proliferation of the worst that Islam has to offer, which is radicalism. If nothing is done, we will lose our identity, our history, and our future,” Francisco Gomes stated at the event.


Chega advocates for a package of measures, including the immediate recovery of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), the automatic deportation of immigrants who commit crimes, the establishment of a quota-based immigration system, and the requirement of a minimum period of five years of contributions before any immigrant can be eligible to receive support from the Portuguese State.

Also from the Jornal da Madeira 16-5-25.

Both articles were translated by AI.

I asked a further question to summarise the Chega stance. The following was the AI response.

Q: What are the main negative press declarations made by Fransisco Gomes of Chega during the last 2 weeks that target immigrants and other foreigners?

A: Based on the search results, Francisco Gomes of Chega has made declarations concerning immigration, particularly focusing on its perceived impact on public safety. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

  • Concerns about “unregulated immigration”:
  • Francisco Gomes has voiced concerns about the impact of what he describes as “unregulated immigration” on public safety.
  • He and the Chega party attribute increases in illegal immigration, trafficking networks, violent crime, and the number of rapes to this “unregulated immigration,” alleging that a significant portion of these crimes are committed by immigrants.
  • Chega’s proposed measures:
  • Chega advocates for a set of measures, including:
    • The “immediate recovery” of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).
    • The automatic deportation of immigrants who commit crimes.
    • The establishment of an immigration quota system.
    • The requirement of a minimum five-year contribution period before immigrants are eligible for certain benefits.
  • “Portugal for the Portuguese”:
  • Gomes has stated that “CHEGA is the only voice that says what the Portuguese think, which is that Portugal has to go back to being for the Portuguese.” This statement indicates a nationalistic stance.
  • It is important to understand that the information that is presented here, is based on the search results, and that the language used, is the language that is used in those results.
    It is important to note that these declarations have generated controversy and are part of an ongoing political debate regarding immigration in Portugal.

What are the impacts of the growing dissatisfaction of the Madeiran people on the immigrant population and visitors?

There is no one simple answer to this question.

Aside from the problems that have always existed for those who chose Madeira to live, or just for vacations. It is different for persons in different locations, for those who try to integrate, those who learn the Portuguese language, those who watch Portuguese news or read local newspapers, and various other personal situations.

Whoever you are, you will probably have already experienced discrimination in daily life. It may be overcharging in bars or cafes, taxi fares, hairdressers, smaller shops (particularly touristy types) or any other service providers who know that they can get away with it and have done so for years. Some immigrants may not have even noticed!

More serious matters occur in the health service, social security or other government institutions where you may be pushed to the bottom of a list, or just disappear altogether.

Car paintwork gets scratched. Pets get poisoned. Unfair treatment in a corrupt justice system is something very difficult to prove.

Bullying in schools has become a serious and growing problem. The children of immigrants are particularly tempting targets, and easy prey, especially if their Portuguese language skills are insufficient in the level of schooling that they are placed.

To see and feel the daily negativity towards immigrants and tourists, the most blatant posts and comments will be found on Madeiran social media sites. These have been cleaned up significantly over the last few years with stricter rules and enforcement in the language permitted, but the racism and xenophobia can still clearly be felt by those who read Portuguese.

A local café or bar will often host groups in conversations about the local feelings towards immigrants, maybe even those present. But of course understanding the language will be important to be aware. The negativity is not hidden, or spoken in whispers. The laws against racism do not deter such conversations, nor do they impede in interactions between Madeirans and immigrants.

Maybe the most damaging and hurtful consequences of being an immigrant, is locals spreading false information about them in the community. It’s difficult to detect and impossible to counter and eradicate, and can in some situations have very serious consequences.

Immigrants are excluded from so much here in Madeira. There is no representation of immigrant group(s) at any level in politics. Not at a national level, nor at any regional level. There is no immigration representation in any public or private organisations that have any public exposure. Not in the press or media, or significant positions in public or government entities, such as health or education. With the immigrant population in Madeira approaching 15,000, or nearly 6% of the population, is that just an oversight or is it deliberate exclusion?

Racism is inbred in Madeirans. It is there from birth in many cases. Some Madeirans find their way out of this nasty cultural trait by themselves. Some never do. It is mainly present publicly in older people, particularly men. Those Madeirans who have lived outside of Portugal, or work closely with foreigners, tend to be less racist than others having seen a different perspective from that within their culture, but Madeirans in fact often say that they return even more racist. But the scene is changing, and rapidly. The far right extremist party CHEGA, is attracting new supporters at an alarming rate. The younger generations included, who believe the party propaganda that immigrants are the root of many of todays problems.

EDIT 1/7/25 : The national assembly in Lisbon has 4 deputies elected by emigrants. 2 of these deputies were elected for Chega, showing in fact that despite living in a host country overseas, many emigrants do not want foreigners in Portugal.

However, it needs to be stated that the definitions for both local racism and xenophobia may be different than for those immigrants on the receiving end. Violence and public hate talk here are not common fortunately, and in most cases Madeirans will be more likely to tell an immigrant to return to their own land … “Volte à sua terra”. It is currently generally a soft racism in visible consequences, but a very serious concern in its origins.

However, although the local press do not like to report such incidents, they do happen. In June 2025, 5 knife attacks were briefly reported against immigrants just in Funchal. 2 of them were filmed by persons in the vicinity. All the victims were injured but without severity. I did not see any follow-up reports about the attackers being identified or arrested. This was an exceptional period of such events, but even so, awareness may help other immigrants to be more vigilant and careful about putting themselves in vulnerable situations.

One other important fact is that the more serious racism is usually not shown in one to one situations. The madeirans feel more comfortable expressing themselves and racial negativity in groups of like-minded people. This is why it is best to see the extent of racism online, particularly in the most popular social media groups. ´Ocorrências na Madeira´ is probably the most popular Facebook group, with over 230,000 members. There you can see that the most popular theme is attacking foreigners, with posts often attracting 500 or more unpleasant comments.

Madeirans have been isolated from the world, and in many ways from their own mainland mother country, since forever. They have been often been conditioned with a somewhat ugly island mentality. As a result they feel extremely united in some situations. As in any country, Madeirans have love and hate relationships between themselves in daily life. They hurt each other and even occasionally kill each other too. But the one thing that unites them is where there are foreigners involved. An immigrant that hurts one Madeiran, whether rightly or wrongly in their action, will incur full or partial support from most of the madeiran community.

Madeirans do not like strangers involved in their culture and tradition and may make those who try feel unwelcome. The exception to this may be in religious activities, but I do not have experience in this and I cannot say for sure. Artificial Intelligence suggests that the Catholic Church has several initiatives to support immigrants directly, but as for the message given to the church attendees regarding accepting immigrants, there is no published information to support or deny that

The numerous famous festas are situated in open surroundings, and are therefore physically available to everyone. They are public entertainment events, usually based on tradition or religious events, aimed to entertain and make money for organisers and commercial participants. These are attended by Madeirans, immigrants and tourists alike. I have included this fact for completeness only.

The situation can be different for immigrants from certain origins. For example immigrants from Angola and Mozambique have historical and colonial connections with Portugal. Brazil too. The language is very similar too. They are less discriminated against. The gypsy (Cigano) population seems to suffer the most, followed by the Chinese and Venezuelans not far behind. The Ukrainian population of under 1,000 seem to have been granted a special dispensation, but are mostly refugees, probably still living in a honeymoon situation in the immigrant community due to the exceptional circumstances of their predicament.

So, going back to my original point. Those who try learn the language and try and integrate into the local culture will see and feel the most about how they are perceived. Particularly if they follow the news and social media. Those who just moved to Madeira, or just visited, for sunshine and scenery without any interest in integration, see and feel the least. The majority of immigrants fall into the latter category, as will the tourists. They live in a restricted bubble, protected and unexposed to the wider community, where the only Madeirans they come into contact are there to earn a living serving that foreign community.

I will do some research into the Portuguese constitution and laws, that should control racist behaviour. They do exist, and are comparable with other European countries. So why does the President of the Republic keep saying that the racism must stop? Nothing seems to change, and matters are clearly getting worse.