"At this precise moment, there is clear evidence that shows that this Regional Government and the parties that support it [PSD/CDS-PP/PAN] do not know how to manage the increase in visitors, and it is worrying because the quality of the tourist destination of Madeira is at risk," stated the head of the Livre list, Marta Sofia, warning that "the bad experiences of tourists are already starting to echo around the world." In statements to the Lusa agency at the Legislative Assembly, in Funchal, the candidate explained that Livre dedicated the campaign day to the problem of ecotourism and warned of the "chaotic overcrowding" of tourism in the archipelago, the traffic congestion on some roads in the mountains, namely on the accesses to Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, stressing that the problem is no longer punctual, but "chronic". "We have proposals that we have been presenting to the population that go beyond limiting human capacity [in the most sought-after places], but also involve increasing public transport in the region, directed not only to the needs of locals, but also adapted to this great demand from tourists," she said. Another proposal aims to create a system for monitoring and inspecting the recommended routes. "We believe in this vision of ecotourism," stated the candidate, stressing that it is "a responsible way that respects the natural and cultural heritage of places and contributes to their conservation, while also guaranteeing a differentiated offer in the tourism sector." Marta Sofia, who is 40 years old and is not a member of Livre, insisted that there are studies that prove that the overcrowded tourism model is diminishing, and on the other hand, she expressed confusion about the position of PAN, as a political party that is 100% committed to nature. "How does it support this entire tourism vision?" she asked. Livre made its debut in the regional legislative elections in September 2023 and obtained 858 votes (0.65%), out of a total of 13 candidacies and a universe of 135,446 voters. Sunday's legislative elections in Madeira will take place with 14 candidacies competing for the 47 seats in the regional parliament, in a single electoral district: ADN, BE, PS, Livre, IL, RIR, CDU (PCP/PEV), Chega, CDS-PP, MPT, PSD, PAN, PTP and JPP. The early elections are taking place eight months after the most recent regional legislative elections, after the President of the Republic dissolved the Madeiran parliament, following the political crisis triggered in January, when the leader of the Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP), Miguel Albuquerque, was named a defendant in a process that is investigating suspicions of corruption. In September 2023, the PSD/CDS coalition won without an absolute majority and elected 23 deputies. The PS won 11, the JPP five, Chega four, while the CDU, IL, PAN (which signed an agreement for parliamentary action with the Social Democrats) and the BE each obtained one seat. Read Also: Miguel Albuquerque wishes Nacional a "successful season" in the I League (Portuguese version)