The Portuguese Labour Party (PTP), through its spokesperson Raquel Coelho, has rejected the Regional Secretary for the Economy, José Manuel Rodrigues, claim that the Faial golf course will create 780 jobs and generate 10 million euros in wealth. The party called those figures “an insult to the intelligence of the Madeiran people” and mocked the idea that golf courses could solve poverty and unemployment. Raquel Coelho said José Manuel Rodrigues seemed to have replaced the Economy portfolio with “astrological forecasts.” In a press statement, the PTP compared the government’s message to the style of tarot reader Maya and her tarot cards, arguing that it is trying to impress the public with unrealistic predictions. The party said the Regional Government is offering illusions rather than serious policies for the north coast. It also accused the executive of focusing on publicity and useless megaprojects instead of real investment needs. According to the PTP, the north coast is facing growing pressure from real estate development, and that issue should be the priority.
