More Than Studies — We Need Action on the Ground, Says Cláudia Perestrelo
Today I want to talk about a powerful message coming out of Madeira’s Regional Parliament — a statement that cuts through bureaucracy and brings focus to the heart of a long-standing issue: poverty. Cláudia Perestrelo, a deputy from the PSD, said it clearly and firmly — "More than studies, what we want is work on the ground." And honestly, I couldn't agree more.
This comes in the context of an ongoing debate in the Madeira Legislative Assembly, where the PS and JPP parties pressed for a report that, according to Perestrelo, was already available and easy to access. She criticized the opposition for demanding a document that, in her words, was "just a download away." But her main frustration wasn't about access to information — it was about how political showmanship often gets in the way of real solutions.
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She emphasized that the study in question wasn’t just some abstract document. It was prepared by respected institutions and forms a crucial part of the region’s broader strategy to combat poverty. This strategy, according to Perestrelo, is not stuck on paper — it's already in motion. The focus isn’t on waving poverty as a political flag, but on genuinely helping citizens at risk with targeted public policies for social inclusion.
She reminded everyone that while it’s easy to criticize, the PSD government has been tackling the issue head-on for years. The point isn’t to deny the existence of poverty — quite the opposite. It’s about taking it seriously enough to move beyond reports and into concrete actions.
In parallel, the Assembly discussed increasing healthcare benefits for the elderly, with PS proposing additional support for medications, glasses, and dental prostheses — benefits already available in mainland Portugal since 2007. Here too, we see a common thread: the demand for regional parity and deeper social support systems.
But what truly resonated was Perestrelo's insistence that studies alone won’t change realities. It's boots on the ground, consistent work in communities, and responsive policies that make the difference. She called for equity and justice — values she said lie at the core of social democracy.
This whole debate shows us one thing: while data is important, it is just a starting point. The people of Madeira — especially the vulnerable — need more than statistics. They need action. And in a political environment often bogged down by rhetoric, it’s refreshing, and necessary, to hear someone call for real-world impact over endless analysis.
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