Anti-Corruption Proposal ; Small Ugly Fruit & Veg OK Again ; Lower IVA / VAT In Restaurants?
(3rd July). ‘PS proposes commission against corruption in municipal councils – Rui Caetano requires greater transparency in administrative deeds’. The proposal for the creation of anti-corruption commissions in all the 11 councils on Madeira, was made by a representative of the Socialist Party, PS-M. Caetano clarifies that these bodies should be adapted to the ‘real life’ operations in each of the councils, while maintaining a direct connection with the higher authorities. The objective is for greater transparency in administration, especially in the areas most susceptible to corruption, urban planning and licensing. Uncle Bertie is rumoured to be considering the proposal, but the brown envelope containing the necessary bits of paper has not yet been handed over.
Just for information and amusement really, as the Minister for the Economy was sacked by Prime Minister José Socrates yesterday. Sorry no I am wrong, he actually resigned. Manuel Pinho was spotted making a gesture at opposition members … see photo below.
All the boring political stuff we have to put up with, and then a gem like this makes it all worthwhile. It has even made the international press, and is all over the TV today. Very silly really, if Uncle Bertie was punished each time he made an indiscretion, he would be black and blue and fed to the fish by now.
A couple of days ago it was reported that regional red wine (vinho seco) was facing extinction, due to new laws and controls imposed by Madeira’s government. Well, starting yesterday, the whole scheme was revoked, and vinho seco is back on the menu as before. A government spokesman justified the u-turn decision by saying that the changes were needing a good “reponder”. Tell me again, when are the next elections?
(2nd July). "Only the crazy vote for their executioner" – Jardim criticized the "wickedness" of the Government of the Republic and declared himself "troubled" with the rise in unemployment. President Jardim was referring to the prime minister of Portugal, José Sócrates, who lacked respect and used his power for partisan purposes, to attack, and for revenge, against the people of Madeira. He said that "Sócrates has put Portugal in a more vulnerable position, which has more negative consequences for this country than any other democracy in Europe". OK, its official then I am crazy, or more accurately I would be crazy, but I cannot vote in national elections. Love the photo though (the duh! look), he really does look troubled.
On matters of the economy :
(2nd July). ‘Government Admits Lower Taxes For Tourism – IVA / VAT and special payment budgets could be changed’. The government of Portugal admits to changing taxes applicable to hotels and restaurants, especially concerning IVA / VAT and another, as apart of a plan of development and competitiveness in the tourism sector. That news comes a few days after the Treasury denied any intention to change IVA / VAT rates, but it has since had a meeting with a body that represents that sector. Under changes passed by the EU recently, EU countries are now permitted, as a temporary measure, to lower purchase taxes down to 5% in the restaurant and catering industry. France, for example, has just reduced its IVA rate from 19.6% to 5% in restaurants. According to a source, the decision to proceed with the initiative is about "the need to conduct a comprehensive study of applicable taxes in the sector of hotels, catering and tourism, taking into account the importance of the sector to the national economy, in an environment of healthy competition and to minimize fraud and tax evasion".
(1st July). ‘Small Fruit Returns To The Market’. The market for fruit and vegetables that do not meet the exacting standards imposed by the European Union has been relaxed. The calibration requirements for 26 types of fruits and vegetables finished yesterday, and opens the way for farmers and anyone else to sell produce of any size and shape. The 26 fruits and vegetables that will be sold regardless of the shape and size include apricots, artichokes, asparagus, aubergines, beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, garlic, hazelnuts in shells, and cabbages. These products only represent 25% of the market, the other 75% are still bound by the old rules. Shame that, as regrettably I will still have to buy lettuces that are three times the size that I need.
(30th June). ‘Loss In Importations – Madeira registers in the first 6 months a fall of 12.4% in merchandise and 14.2% in shipping containers’. It was on the front page again, the second time in a month, so I will just cover briefly. Both the Madeirans and companies here are buying less produce that comes from outside. In particular the import of cement and related products has fallen by 22.7%. However, the figures could have been lower if it wasn’t for the Armas ferry which brings in cargo to Funchal.
Zon Multimedia SGPS SA, a Portuguese pay-television company, plans to start offering a subscription television service in Angola in November. Zon is awaiting the launch of the satellite that will broadcast its programming and also has to wait for licenses that will be awarded by Angolan authorities, the Portuguese Diário newspaper said.
