Funchal

Miguel Albuquerque, president of the PSD/Madeira, warned that deputies elected by the autonomous region to the Assembly of the Republic may become independent if regional demands are not met. Albuquerque criticized the national PSD leadership and stated that the region's current relationship with the central government is unfavorable. He specifically cited changes to the social mobility subsidy (subsídio social de mobilidade) as a primary point of contention.

The Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) in Madeira has amended its statutes to remove the 12-year term limit for party leaders. This change allows Miguel Albuquerque to continue leading the party and the regional government. Meanwhile, tensions remain between the regional and national leadership, with Miguel Albuquerque warning that the national PSD leadership may not be welcome at the upcoming Chão da Lagoa event.

The operator of the maritime route between Madeira and Porto Santo has cancelled the Lobo Marinho ship's trips scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday between the two islands.

TAP Air Portugal has resumed direct flights to Caracas, Venezuela, following a six-month suspension due to a United States-issued security alert. The resumption marks the airline's 50th anniversary of operating the route, which officials describe as vital for the Portuguese diaspora. TAP plans to increase service in July with a new weekly direct flight to Funchal.

High winds have caused significant disruptions at Madeira International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira), with at least ten flights diverted and seven arrivals canceled. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has placed the island under a yellow warning (aviso amarelo) for gusts reaching up to 110 km/h in mountainous areas. Several aircraft were forced to divert to the neighboring island of Porto Santo to wait for improved conditions.

The Funchal City Council (Câmara Municipal do Funchal) has approved new regulations for short-term rentals (Alojamento Local or AL) to prioritize permanent housing for residents. New license applications remain suspended until July while the city implements these rules to manage the impact of the 3,600 existing units. Property owners and those seeking housing in the Madeiran capital should be aware of these tightening restrictions.

Miguel Albuquerque has been re-elected as the leader of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) in Madeira, receiving 98% of the votes in an uncontested election. Despite being a formal suspect (arguido) in an ongoing legal investigation, Miguel Albuquerque will continue to lead both the regional party and the Regional Government (Governo Regional). Madeira residents should note that he has led the party since 2014.

The Madeira regional government decided to extend the suspension on issuing TVDE operator licences and endorsements for another four months, following a weekly council meeting led by Miguel Albuquerque. The pause affects those seeking to start or expand app‑based private hire services on the island and keeps the current operators' status quo in place. Drivers and companies planning to operate in Madeira should monitor the regional government's decisions for changes to licensing timelines.

Operations at Madeira International Airport were reported as returning to normal after two days of disruptions that cancelled more than 70 flights. ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal reported that all scheduled arrivals between 08:00 and 10:00 landed and only one departure was cancelled, though it kept alerts for weather forecasts. Travellers should still check their airline status and expect last‑minute schedule changes while conditions stabilise. Those flying to or from Madeira should reconfirm flights with carriers and monitor ANA notices.

Correio da Manhã reports the Madeira regional government is investing €4.2 million to build 27 social‑housing units (fogos) in Funchal. The project targets local affordable‑housing needs and will affect waiting lists and allocations once completed. Those seeking social housing in Madeira should monitor regional housing portals and municipal notices for application details.