Madeira News Blog

(27th June). Today’s main news headline : ‘Gouveia Pays Subscriptions Of Members In Order To Be Leader – João Carlos Gouveia (leader of PS-M) took on the party subscriptions for socialists that gave him their leadership vote. He did it through a cheque, that was never taken to the bank because there were no funds. The question returned to the agenda in January. Now, Gouveia doesn’t pay alleging that it is wrong to cover the subscriptions of others’. He says that he is now going to make a donation to the Socialist Party. This was back in July 2007 when he was elected party leader, when at the party congress the president demanded subscription payments from delegates, many of whom were supporters of Gouveia. The party rules say that one cannot vote if subscriptions are unpaid. He allegedly wrote out a cheque there and then for at least €6,000. Already hung and drawn, but probably not quite yet quartered.

President Jardim confirmed yesterday what was already widely known. The social democrat candidates for the 11 presidents of the câmaras (council) will remain as currently in post, apart from in Porto Moniz, São Vicente, and Santana.

There is an article on the reaction of President Jardim to the proposed purchase of a large stake in the holding group of TVI one of the top Portuguese television companies. The purchase, estimated to be around €100 million, is being considered by PT, Portugal Telecom. Jardim calls it scandalous. I don’t know what the big deal is as mergers in these sectors are common place, and anyway, Portugal’s government has a golden share in PT and can block or approve major decisions by the company.

The President of the Republic of Portugal has today confirmed that the national elections will be held on Sunday 27th September. Cavaco Silva called for calm in the election campaigns. The President expects to see the “real” problems and concerns discussed.

‘João Mota Repeats In The Classics – João repeats his ritual of kissing the champagne. It didn’t produce the brilliance of previous years, but nether-the-less it was a pleasing event’. João Mota and Miguel Correia won this years XXII classic car rally in a 1971 MG B. I can’t believe he is really called Mota (look in your dictionary).

‘Festival Of São Pedro Later Tonight In Ribeira Brava – The popular saints complete the triangle. The tradition takes thousands today to the mythical Ribeira-braven festival’. (Not my words, nor my plug this time). More than 15 bands and 850 participants will take part in the parades at 9pm, for the first time on the night before the night before the day of Saint Peter. the parades are followed by a concert by José Malhoa. Lots more, but a bit late in the day to publish it now.