The level of autonomy is ever changing and ever disputed, but is ultimately decided upon by the Assembleia da Republica that sits in Lisbon. To the outside world Madeirans are, to all intents and purposes, Portuguese. They carry Portuguese passports, vote in Portuguese elections, and pay Portuguese taxes. As relative new comers to democracy, the Portuguese, and more directly the Madeirans, display the fervour of the newly converted. Elections for the Lisbon parliament occur at least every four years, as do separate elections for the President of the Republic, the regional government and the local concelhos.
Elections are colourful, noisy and fun.
The various political parties, who call themselves by a bewildering and ever-changing array of acronyms compete to provide the best jamborees at election time. One name is synonymous with Government on Madeira - Dr. He is undoubtedly the most colourful politician in Portugal today. He has been a champion of the cause of Madeira for more than 18 years, and takes his fight to the highest levels of Government on the mainland and to the bureaucrats in Brussels. The astonishing development of the island over the last 20 years can largely be attributed to his dedication and very personal brand of politics.