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.
PSD-Madeira amends statutes to extend leadership tenure
Saturday, 18 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
- Leader: Luís Montenegro (Prime Minister)
- Ideology: Liberal conservatism, pro-Europeanism
- Coalition: Social Democratic Party (PSD) + CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP)
The Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner.
The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a cordon sanitaire against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.
Miguel Albuquerque is the President of the Regional Government of Madeira and a member of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). He has led the regional government since 2015, overseeing the autonomous region's political and administrative affairs.
3 sources
- Miguel Albuquerque presents the “Free Madeira” strategy motion at the 20th PSD/Madeira CongressCorreio da Manhã ·
- PSD-Madeira still unsure if Montenegro will be welcome at Chão da Lagoa: "We will not tolerate humiliation," warns Miguel AlbuquerqueExpresso ·
- PSD/Madeira amends statutes to allow Albuquerque to remain in leadershipPúblico ·
