The Secretary of Education, Science and Technology, Elsa Fernandes, explained that the insignia will be given by the Regional Government as part of celebrations for 50 years of autonomy in Madeira. It will go to people, groups, or organisations that have shaped the region over the last fifty years.

The Insignia of Prestige recognises people, groups, or organisations, Portuguese or foreign, who have shown merit and helped support, keep, and improve Madeira’s autonomy, either in life or after death.

The decree says the insignia is granted by the Regional Government Council, by a resolution adopted by the Regional Government Council, or by a proposal from the President or the Executive Committee managing the 50th anniversary celebrations.

During the debate, however, Chega MP Miguel Castro argued that it is necessary to be “demanding” in recognising the merit of individuals and institutions, warning that the legislation is not clear on this point.

“What is clear is that it will once again be the Regional Government that decides,” he said, considering that, in this way, there is a risk of rewarding “not those who have done the most for Madeira, but those who are closest to those who decide.”

Miguel Castro also argued that the first insignia should be awarded to the people of Madeira.

The PS bench also emphasised the role of the people of Madeira and Porto Santo in building autonomy. They also highlighted contributions from business, culture, and sports. MP Vitor Freitas said the party gives the government’s project the “benefit of the doubt.”

Gonçalo Maia Camelo from the Liberal Initiative supports creating the Honorary Insignia of Prestige, but thinks civil society should also be part of the selection process, not just the Regional Government and the Mission Structure’s Executive Committee.

In today’s plenary session, two protest votes were rejected. One was from the JPP and the other from the PS. These votes concerned delays in air travel reimbursements and changes to the legal framework for the Social Mobility Subsidy (SSM).

The JPP’s motion was titled “Against delays in reimbursements for air travel between Madeira and the mainland.” It cited hypothetical unconstitutional requirements, excessive bureaucracy, and inefficiencies in the Social Mobility Subsidy digital platform. The PSD/CDS-PP majority opposed it, while all other parties voted in favour.

The PS’s motion was titled “Against the PSD’s manoeuvres that delay the correction of the Social Mobility Subsidy and against the bureaucracy and delays in reimbursements.” The PSD, CDS, and IL voted against it. Chega abstained, while the PS and JPP voted in favour.

During the debate, Chega argued that voting in favour of the JPP and PS protests would be “voting in favour of the people of Madeira.” They said the issue concerns the “dignity, autonomy, and citizenship” of the region’s residents.

The sole IL MP, Gonçalo Maia Camelo, described the social mobility subsidy scheme and the electronic reimbursement platform as a “disaster” by the Government of the Republic. He only voted in favour of the JPP protest. He argued the PS vote is a “political manifesto” that “praises” the party’s performance on the issue.

MP Bruno Melim from the PSD called the initiatives “disgusting and gutter politics.” He said the PS led the Government of the Republic for eight years and did nothing about the social mobility subsidy. He added that the JPP criticises the model but supports a similar one.