Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
October 13, 2025
SOS Cagarro campaign kicks off Wednesday, mobilising public and private entities
The Regional Government will launch the 31st edition of the SOS Cagarro campaign on Wednesday, October 15, which will run until November 15. It will mobilise volunteers and engage public and private entities across all islands to save the juvenile Calonectris borealis (Cory's shearwater) birds — one of the archipelago's most emblematic seabirds. Coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies, with direct support from the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, the campaign arescue biis aimed at rescuing disoriented by light pollution, reducing the risk of being hit by cars and predators. The Azores are home to about 75% of the world's population of shearwaters, which reinforces their international responsibility for preserving this species, recognised by the OSPAR Commission under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Since 1995, tens of thousands of birds have been saved with the help of schools, associations, local authorities and citizens. In 2024, the campaign rescued 6,388 Cory's shearwater specimens, providing veterinary care to 31 and recording the loss of 273 individuals. In June this year, during the OSPAR Convention ministerial meeting in Vigo, a proposal presented by Portugal, led by the Azorean Government, was approved to consider the Cory's shearwater species as a new common bioindicator of floating plastic pollution in Region V (Wider Atlantic). This achievement places the Azores at the forefront of international marine litter monitoring, replacing the fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) as an indicator species in this area of the Atlantic, where it does not occur. During the campaign, everyone is invited to actively collaborate in rescuing birds affected by light pollution, participate in night patrols and awareness-raising activities promoted by the campaign coordinators on each island: the Environment and Climate Action Services. Rescued birds can be registered via the official website https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drpm/sos-cagarro directly using the QR code available on the rescue boxes and other promotional materials. The SOS Environment line – 800 292 800 – operates 24 hours a day, free of charge, to assist any citizen in rescuing birds. 📧 [email protected] 🌐 https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drpm/sos-cagarro 📞 SOS Ambiente – 800 292 800  

Nota de Imprensa
October 13, 2025
Berta Cabral prioritises implementation of RRP in 2026 at Regional Council for Public Works meeting
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired the meeting of the Regional Council for Public Works (CROP) on Friday. This advisory body aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the Regional Government and entities involved in the construction and public works sector. At the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various institutions and professional associations, the current and future challenges facing the sector were analysed, particularly in the context of the simultaneous implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and the Azores 2030 European funds programme. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “2026 will be a very demanding year, with the parallel implementation of two EU funding plans, the RRP and the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, which will require a coordinated and responsible effort from all stakeholders.” Acknowledging the difficulties facing the sector, Berta Cabral noted that labour shortages are one of the main current challenges. Still, she reiterated her confidence in Azorean companies, as they "have responded competently and responsibly to the growing demands of ongoing public and private construction projects." Between 2021 and 2025, 789 public works contracts were signed in the Azores, amounting to €585.4 million. They include works contracts, projects and inspections, with a focus on maritime and port works. According to the data presented, the average variation between the contract award price and the final price of the works stands only at 4.31%, reflecting a significant improvement in the preparation and management of procedures. The government official also emphasised that "priority has been given to transparency, through a preference for public tenders, with direct awards only being used in specific and exceptional situations." Additionally, "the concentration of public works in a single government department has led to efficiency gains and standardisation of procedures." The meeting also discussed the future of public investment after the end of the RRP. In this regard, the Regional Secretary passed on a message of confidence, emphasising that "there is a solid pipeline of works for the coming years on several islands, including structural projects such as the new Lajes das Flores Port, the expansion of the Praia da Vitória Port and the protection of the São Roque do Pico coastline." Berta Cabral ended the session by praising the importance of the CROP meeting as "an essential space for sharing and collaboration to ensure the proper implementation of public investments and the sustainable progress of the Region." She challenged all the organisations and entities represented to "help improve processes and ensure the proper implementation of ongoing projects."

Nota de Imprensa
October 10, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro announces pilot project for four-day work week in Regional Public Administration
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening session of the 6th Labour Law Days – Azores at the Teatro Micaelense. This forum has promoted reflection and debate on issues central to the dignity of work in the Region since 2015. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Constitutional Court, Professor José João Abrantes, and the Judge of the Supreme Administrative Court, Ana Celeste Carvalho, whose presence was highlighted by the President of the Government as "a contribution that greatly honours this event and enriches the debate on the future of labour law in Portugal and the Azores." The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the timeliness and relevance of the theme chosen for this edition, "New models of working time organisation: The four-day work week - Implications." According to him, "we are living in a time of profound demographic, technological and organisational change, which challenges old understandings of productivity, talent attraction and service quality in both the public and private sectors." The President of the Government defended that the reorganisation of working hours "must be conducted with balance, responsibility and respect for workers' rights." In this regard, he noted that "flexibility must be supported by contractual clarification, risk assessment and mechanisms to prevent abuse, ensuring equal treatment and predictability in the management of working time." In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro announced that the Regional Government will move forward with a four-day work week pilot project in the Regional Public Administration, scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, and have a duration of six months. The aim, as he explained, is ‘to improve the balance between professional, personal and family life, boost productivity and well-being, and contribute to the competitiveness of our services, always in strict compliance with applicable legislation.’ The sample of services and workers who will participate in the pilot project will be selected in November, after consultation with the unions and senior officials of the Regional Public Administration. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the project is based on an agreement between workers and employers, based on evidence and followed up by an independent assessment. As for the private sector, he stated that the approach will be "cautious, but encouraging voluntary, measured and reversible pilot projects," aligned with the Labour Code and collective bargaining. He stressed that public support will be technical, focused on process diagnosis, management training and independent assessment, "without resorting to direct wage subsidies." As for the private sector, he stated that the approach will be "cautious, but encouraging voluntary, measured and reversible pilot projects," aligned with the Labour Code and collective bargaining. He stressed that public support will be technical, focused on process diagnosis, management training and independent assessment, "without resorting to direct wage subsidies." The Regional Government's actions will be guided by five fundamental principles: priority given to citizen service; gradual, evidence-based experimentation before rolling out any solution; social dialogue; sectoral and territorial adequacy of solutions; and transparency, through public indicators and external assessment. The head of the Azorean Government ended his speech with a message of confidence and commitment, stating that he believes that "the future of work in the Azores will be built on dialogue, innovation, and the courage to seek new solutions." He added that the"Government is committed to a fairer, more productive and more humane region, where economic progress is achieved with dignity for workers and their families." The 6th Labour Law Days – Azores are taking place on the island of São Miguel. The event brings together academics, magistrates, lawyers, managers and public officials in a space for debate and sharing on the challenges and opportunities that new models of labour organisation pose to contemporary society. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government

Intervenção
October 10, 2025
Speech by the President of the Government
Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada, at the opening session of the 6th Labour Law Days: It is with great honour that I preside over the opening of the 6th Labour Law Conference – Azores. This forum has promoted reflection and debate on issues central to the dignity of work in the Region since 2015. I wish everyone a fruitful stay in the Azores, filled with reflection and appreciation for our peacefulness and the beauty of our nature. Allow me to extend a special greeting and thanks to His Excellency, the President of the Constitutional Court, Professor José João Abrantes, and to the Judge of the Supreme Administrative Court, Judge Ana Celeste Carvalho. Your participation greatly honours this event and enriches the debate, bringing the vision and experience of the highest authorities of Portuguese justice to the reflection on the future of labour law in general and in the Azores, in particular. Furthermore, I am pleased to add, for the record, that I personally hold you in high regard. To the distinguished speakers, moderators and members of the Scientific Committee, I would also like to extend a special greeting and express my gratitude for your willingness to accept our invitation to share your enriching experiences and valuable knowledge with us. The theme chosen for this edition, "New models of working time organisation: The four-day work week - Implications," is undoubtedly a very timely and relevant topic. It is innovative in terms of both social and labour matters. We are living in a time of profound demographic, technological and organisational change, which challenges old understandings of productivity, talent attraction and service quality in both the public and private sectors. The debate on the reorganisation of working hours is acquiring a new intensity. Digital transformation, globalisation, labour mobility and the need to reconcile economic results with the well-being of workers place us before the responsibility of finding legally secure and operationally viable solutions. Solutions promoting inclusive growth, full employment and fair work are aligned with the United Nations' 8th Sustainable Development Goal. Current trends show us the spread of models for reducing working hours, such as the four-day work week, hybrid arrangements and management by goals. These changes require a redesign of processes, the adoption of new planning tools, and the definition of clear performance metrics, replacing the mere counting of hours with performance indicators. However, any organisational change must comply with the legal framework, safeguarding the safety, health, and rights of workers. The sustainability of organisations and companies—a change in mindset. Flexibility must be supported by contractual clarification, risk assessment and mechanisms to prevent abuse, ensuring equal treatment and predictability in the management of working time. Confidence in change, with adaptive capacity. In this context, the Regional Government's actions are guided by five fundamental principles: - Priority given to citizen service; - Gradual, evidence-based experimentation before rolling out any solution; - Social dialogue and collective bargaining as the preferred method; - Sectoral and territorial adequacy of solutions; - Transparency, through public indicators and external assessment. Within the Regional Public Administration, a commitment has been made to move forward with a four-day work week pilot project, based on an agreement between employees and employers. The aim is to improve the balance between professional, personal and family life, boost productivity and well-being, and contribute to the competitiveness of our services, always in strict compliance with applicable legislation. In implementing international best practices, the four-day work week pilot project was presented and discussed with trade unions and senior managers in the Regional Public Administration. The sample of services and workers who will participate in the pilot project will be selected in November. The pilot project will then begin on January 1, 2026, for a period of six months. In the private sector, our approach is cautious, but we encourage voluntary, measured and reversible pilot projects, aligned with the Labour Code and collective bargaining agreements. Public support will be technical, focused on process diagnosis, management training and independent assessment, without resorting to direct wage subsidies. These conferences will allow us to learn about the results of the 2023 national pilot project and plan the pilot project for labour flexibility in Regional Public Administration, with the sharing of experiences from national and international experts. Therefore, we intend to consolidate recent evidence, identify advantages and challenges, and outline technical criteria for the continuity of public service and for the independent assessment of future projects. Finally, I would like to emphasise the key role of social dialogue. Only through negotiation between social partners can we find balanced solutions that will ensure predictability, protection of rights, sustainability and competitiveness of companies, and stability in labour relations. Allow me, on this occasion, to offer a word of confidence and commitment. I firmly believe that the future of work in the Azores will be built on dialogue, innovation, and the courage to seek new solutions. We are not afraid to assert ourselves as a laboratory for the future in the fields of social and economic innovation. We are committed to a fairer, more productive and more humane region, where economic progress is achieved with dignity for workers and their families. You can count on the Regional Government to lead this path of modernisation and recognition of work with responsibility and openness. I wish everyone excellent Days and hope they will be another firm step towards building a fairer and more innovative labour market tailored to the challenges of our time."

Nota de Imprensa
October 10, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomes 2026 State Budget proposal and advocates fair review of Finance Act
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, expressed his satisfaction with the proposed State Budget for 2026, emphasising that the document, as presented, ensures the main provisions of the regional budget proposal, currently under consultation with social partners and island councils. According to the proposal submitted to the National Assembly, transfers to the Azores under the Autonomous Regions Finance Act amount to €341.1 million, representing an increase of €21.9 million compared to 2025. This boost will ensure the continuity of structural public policies and consolidate the Region's financial balance. "The State Budget for 2026 gives confidence to regional planning and ensures stability to continue the commitments made to Azorean families and businesses," the President stated, highlighting the budget framework as a sign of confidence in regional finances. Without prejudice to this positive assessment, the President of the Government reiterated the need for a fair and updated revision of the Finance Act of the Autonomous Regions, stressing that this is a matter of equity and national responsibility. "We need a fair review of the Finance Law, which ensures predictability and respect for the Azores' contribution to the development of the country," stressed José Manuel Bolieiro. He added that the Region "is not committed to transitional or exceptional solutions, but rather to a stable and balanced financing model." The President of the Government also announced that, at the end of this month, he will attend a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Lisbon. The President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, will also be present at the meeting.

Nota de Imprensa
October 9, 2025
Regional Labour Inspection promotes seminar on safe and healthy work in the digital age
The Regional Labour Inspectorate (IRT) will promote a seminar on October 29 to take place at the Angra do Heroísmo Cultural and Conference Centre on Terceira Island as part of European Week for Safety and Health at Work, announced the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment. This year, "Safe and healthy work in the digital age" will be the theme of the European initiative that highlights safer and healthier workplaces across Europe. In this regard, the seminar organised by IRT will propose a reflection on how technology is reshaping risks and well-being at work. As such, it is aimed at professionals from various sectors of activity, as well as all those who have or will have responsibility in the area of occupational health and safety. Those interested in participating in this initiative should register, free of charge, by October 27, using the electronic form available at https://forms.office.com/e/HdZDwkpFyF. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, will chair the opening session of the seminar at 9 a.m. Speakers include Emília Telo, Coordinator of the National Focal Point of the Agency for Safety and Health at Work; Inês Sena, Researcher at the Centre for Research in Digitalisation and Intelligent Robotics at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança; and Ana Isabel Gomes, Psychiatrist at the Institute of Integrative Medicine in Coimbra. Speakers at the seminar will also include Paula Sousa, Director of Occupational Health and Safety Promotion Services at the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT), and Marta Reis, Trainer/CEO of SimplifyPro. The presentation at the seminar will feature topics such as "Digital and Ecological Transition: How Artificial Intelligence is Redefining Occupational Health and Safety," "Smart Systems for Accident Risk Prediction," "Best Practices and Strategies for Mental Health in the Workplace," "Organisation of Occupational Safety Services: Employer or Designated Worker" and "From Digital Hygiene to Safe Literacy: How Training Protects People and Organisations." The full programme for the seminar, which runs from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., can be found on the IRT website at https://irt.azores.gov.pt/.

Nota de Imprensa
October 8, 2025
Regional Government opens public tender to service 36 plots for transfer in Capelas, São Miguel
The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, launched on Tuesday the public tender for the servicing of plots located in the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development in the parish of Capelas, municipality of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel. The works contract, now put out to tender, has a base price of €2.7 million plus VAT at the legal rate in force and a completion period of 240 days. It is financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for the Region and includes the servicing of 36 plots to be transferred to families and the subsequent construction of 36 houses. The period for submitting proposals for this works contract runs until November 5 under the terms set out in the announcement published in the Official Journal. According to the implementation plan, the work to be carried out under this project focuses on demolition and surveying, earthworks, water supply network, sewage and drainage network, various infrastructures, landscaping, walls, electrical network and telecommunications infrastructures. More than 360 new housing solutions are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over €43.6 million financed under the RRP for the Azores. This investment will expand the supply of public housing for different situations and age groups, including young people, middle-class and single-parent families, without overlooking the most disadvantaged households facing serious housing shortages.

Nota de Imprensa
October 8, 2025
Message of Condolences
It is with deep sadness that the Government of the Azores, on behalf of the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, mourns the passing of Tomás Daniel Bernardo Vultão, President of the Parish Council of Santa Bárbara in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. Tomás Vultão was a dedicated and exemplary local politician who always guided his life by serving the community, being close to the people and committed to the development of his parish. His actions, marked by integrity, dialogue, and a sense of responsibility, will live on in local life and in the hearts of those he served with humility and dedication. His contributions have gone beyond his parish. He was recognised throughout the municipality and Region for his dedication to defending his community's interests and for the composure with which he faced the challenges of public life. At this time of sorrow, the Government of the Azores extends its deepest condolences to his wife, son, family, friends, and the entire parish of Santa Bárbara, which has lost a dedicated citizen and mayor who was deeply committed to his community.