The Funchal branch of the Socialist Party (PS) has praised the municipality’s decision to move ahead with creating a Municipal Police force, saying the measure should have been taken years ago. In a statement, the party argued that the PSD/CDS-led municipal executive has now confirmed a proposal it has supported for more than six years. The comments came after Funchal’s deputy mayor, Carlos Rodrigues, said yesterday in an interview with Antena 1 that the Municipal Police project will proceed, although with more limited powers than the municipal police services in Lisbon and Porto. Isabel Garcês, president of PS-Funchal, said the announcement marks a clear shift from the current administration and recalled that the idea was first presented in 2019 under the Confiança coalition led by Paulo Cafôfo. At that time, the municipality began drafting regulations and consulted the Public Security Police (PSP), trade unions, night watch organisations and the political parties represented in the Municipal Assembly, but the process was later halted. The PS says the project lost momentum after the change in municipal leadership in 2021, even as violence, public concern over safety and traffic problems increased. The party also noted that the creation of a Municipal Police force was included in its 2025 local elections manifesto and that councillor Rui Caetano had already submitted a proposal during the current municipal term. Garcês welcomed the decision but criticised the PSD/CDS administration for delaying it, while stressing that the new force should help with municipal inspection, prevention and public order and allow the PSP to focus on crime.
