Presidential candidate advocates simple mobility, decent salaries and regular maritime connections with the continent

Raul Perestrello presented his candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic 45 minutes late, at the Hotel VidaMar Resort, in a session that was poorly attended, a fact he attributed to the coincidence with the Summer Opening music festival taking place in Funchal.

Born in Madeira, an engineer by training and an emigrant for three decades in Australia, Perestrello returned to his homeland to share the guidelines of a candidacy that he classifies as "independent, free, made with the people, with transparency and with truth".

In his speech, characterised by an emotional and close tone, he said:

"Today I don't just bring you a candidacy, I bring you a commitment - to Portugal, to Madeira, to Porto Santo, to each and every one of you."

Emphasising his attachment to his origins, Perestrello recalled growing up on the island, emigrating at the age of 20 and the international experience he has accumulated. "Life has taken me on many paths around the world, but it has never taken me away from Portugal, it has never taken me away from Madeira," he emphasised.

One of the central themes of his speech was mobility between the island regions and the mainland. The candidate argued that the current mobility subsidy model "must be simple, direct and automatic", proposing that the discount be applied when the ticket is purchased, "without bureaucracy, without months of waiting".

He asked about the maritime connections:

"Cargo ships arrive in our region almost every day, so why can't they also carry passengers in comfort, safety and dignity?"

At national level, he emphasised the urgent need to "grow with justice", with better salaries, decent pensions and a firm commitment to national production. He called for a "responsible" immigration policy that attracts skilled labour, while at the same time defending the role of Portuguese emigrants around the world.

"Portugal is a country with different regions, with different statuses, but with one heart. And Madeira is an essential part of our national soul."

In closing, he promised to be "a president close to the people, active, dynamic, capable of uniting and representing everyone, not just a few", leaving an appeal to national pride:

"I want to help rebuild pride in being Portuguese. A country where everyone counts, where no-one is left behind."

The candidacy will now continue with initiatives in other parts of the country, with Raul Perestrello admitting that mobilising on social media and among emigrant communities will be one of the priorities in the coming months.