Francisco Gomes, the Chega (CH) deputy elected by Madeira to the Assembly of the Republic, accused the Regional Government of Madeira of encouraging an uncontrolled immigration policy. He said the Regional Government is prioritising the interests of hotel groups and the construction sector over the needs of local residents. His remarks were made during a hearing with the Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro, at the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees of the Assembly of the Republic. Gomes claimed that Madeira has more than doubled its resident immigrant population in the last four years, pointing to an increase of around 160%. He linked that rise to greater insecurity, more crime, pressure on housing, and job insecurity in the Region. He also urged the Government of the Republic to take urgent steps to stop the entry of immigrants into the Region, arguing that the State is ignoring the situation. Gomes warned that Madeira cannot handle any more uncontrolled immigration and said national policy must change before the problems become worse.
