Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro reafirma prioridade à saúde com reforço tecnológico no Hospital da Horta
José Manuel Bolieiro reafirma prioridade à saúde com reforço tecnológico no Hospital da Horta
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for Portuguese State to place greater “strategic importance” on the Azores
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for Portuguese State to place greater “strategic importance” on the Azores
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Açores são “ponto de convergência para o conhecimento, a inovação e o pensamento económico do futuro”, sublinha Artur Lima
Açores são “ponto de convergência para o conhecimento, a inovação e o pensamento económico do futuro”, sublinha Artur Lima
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Duarte Freitas confident in full implementation of RRP-Azores
Duarte Freitas confident in full implementation of RRP-Azores
Nota de Imprensa
June 16, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for Portuguese State to place greater “strategic importance” on the Azores The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, held in Horta, the need for the Portuguese State to place greater strategic value on the archipelago. In this regard, he emphasised the Region’s geopolitical, geo-economic and scientific importance for the future of Portugal and Europe. In his speech, delivered as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic and the Political Autonomy of the Azores, the President of the Government highlighted the symbolic significance of choosing the Azores as the venue for the celebrations of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day, noting that this decision also represents a look towards the country’s future. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the Azores bolster Portuguese sovereignty in the Atlantic. They represent a strategic platform for national projection in the areas of security and defence, science, technology, the blue economy and transatlantic relations. However, the President of the Regional Government called for the recognition of the Azores’ strategic value to turn into tangible measures. In this regard, he called for greater State investment in critical dual-use infrastructure, which is essential for establishing national sovereignty and boosting economic development in the Region. In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Azores as a “laboratory of the future,” pointing out the progress made in the space, maritime, energy and scientific sectors. In the space sector, he highlighted the growing prominence of the island of Santa Maria as an emerging hub for Earth observation and satellite data processing activities. He also mentioned the investment made in the three weather radars installed in the Region, which strengthen the capacity to monitor the Atlantic and contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the territories. Regarding the maritime economy, the President of the Government highlighted the planned investments in the new scientific research vessel and MARTEC – Technology and Innovation Centre for the Maritime Economy. These projects aim to bring scientific research closer to economic activity and create new opportunities for sustainable development. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated his ambition to position the Azores as an innovative and sustainable Region, internationally recognised for its ability to generate knowledge, develop technology and protect vital resources. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of the Azorean cultural community spread across the world, considering it a strategic asset for the future of the Region and Portugal. “The strategic importance of the Azores, as a regional asset, is a Portuguese and European matter, and will increasingly become an Atlantic one,” he concluded.
June 16, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for Portuguese State to place greater “strategic importance” on the Azores The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, held in Horta, the need for the Portuguese State to place greater strategic value on the archipelago. In this regard, he emphasised the Region’s geopolitical, geo-economic and scientific importance for the future of Portugal and Europe. In his speech, delivered as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic and the Political Autonomy of the Azores, the President of the Government highlighted the symbolic significance of choosing the Azores as the venue for the celebrations of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day, noting that this decision also represents a look towards the country’s future. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the Azores bolster Portuguese sovereignty in the Atlantic. They represent a strategic platform for national projection in the areas of security and defence, science, technology, the blue economy and transatlantic relations. However, the President of the Regional Government called for the recognition of the Azores’ strategic value to turn into tangible measures. In this regard, he called for greater State investment in critical dual-use infrastructure, which is essential for establishing national sovereignty and boosting economic development in the Region. In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Azores as a “laboratory of the future,” pointing out the progress made in the space, maritime, energy and scientific sectors. In the space sector, he highlighted the growing prominence of the island of Santa Maria as an emerging hub for Earth observation and satellite data processing activities. He also mentioned the investment made in the three weather radars installed in the Region, which strengthen the capacity to monitor the Atlantic and contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the territories. Regarding the maritime economy, the President of the Government highlighted the planned investments in the new scientific research vessel and MARTEC – Technology and Innovation Centre for the Maritime Economy. These projects aim to bring scientific research closer to economic activity and create new opportunities for sustainable development. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated his ambition to position the Azores as an innovative and sustainable Region, internationally recognised for its ability to generate knowledge, develop technology and protect vital resources. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of the Azorean cultural community spread across the world, considering it a strategic asset for the future of the Region and Portugal. “The strategic importance of the Azores, as a regional asset, is a Portuguese and European matter, and will increasingly become an Atlantic one,” he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
June 16, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights investment to increase continuing care capacity in Ponta Delgada by 31% The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, visited the site of the expansion and refurbishment works on the third floor of the former Ponta Delgada Hospital last Monday. This is an investment by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada (charity) that has upgraded the Integrated Continuing Care Unit (UCCI) and significantly increased its bed capacity. The project increased the number of Long-term and Maintenance care beds from 42 to 55, representing a 31% increase in installed capacity, thereby strengthening the response to the population’s growing needs against a backdrop of demographic ageing and rising demand for continuing care. José Manuel Bolieiro praised the institution’s historic role and the service it has provided to the community over several decades. “This is a project that will result in a service designed to provide high-quality care and greater availability for those who need it most. I would like to highlight the work carried out by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada over the years for the benefit of its users and their families,” he said. The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised that this investment reflects his Government’s strategy towards strengthening social and health services, always in close cooperation with social economy institutions. “We are working to ensure that tomorrow is better than today, given that today is already better than yesterday. It is encouraging to see our institutions, particularly those dedicated to social solidarity, working in a complementary manner with the Regional Health Service to provide better care for the Azorean population,” he emphasised. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the importance of the Regional Integrated Continuing Care Network and the coordination between the different levels of care provision. “We have been seeking to develop a policy that makes healthcare increasingly accessible and of higher quality, whilst also prioritising health education. It is essential that we continue to strengthen this integrated care network and ensure the complementary nature of the services available, so that we can respond, in an increasingly personalised manner, to the overall needs of the population,” he concluded. The UCCI project was supported through Cooperation Investment Value Contract no. 83/2020, for a maximum amount of €2.3 million, covering not only the refurbishment and modernisation of the third floor of the former Ponta Delgada Hospital but also the general refurbishment of the institution’s laundry facilities. The investment helped to make the spaces more patient-centred as well as to improve comfort, privacy and the quality of care provided. With this project, the Regional Government reinforces its commitment to enhancing the Regional Continuing and Palliative Care Network, promoting more patient-centred, accessible and appropriate responses to the needs of the Azorean population. Also present during the visit were the Ombudsman of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada, Américo Natalino Viveiros, the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, and the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, alongside other representatives and officials from the health, social welfare and local government sectors.
June 16, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights investment to increase continuing care capacity in Ponta Delgada by 31% The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, visited the site of the expansion and refurbishment works on the third floor of the former Ponta Delgada Hospital last Monday. This is an investment by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada (charity) that has upgraded the Integrated Continuing Care Unit (UCCI) and significantly increased its bed capacity. The project increased the number of Long-term and Maintenance care beds from 42 to 55, representing a 31% increase in installed capacity, thereby strengthening the response to the population’s growing needs against a backdrop of demographic ageing and rising demand for continuing care. José Manuel Bolieiro praised the institution’s historic role and the service it has provided to the community over several decades. “This is a project that will result in a service designed to provide high-quality care and greater availability for those who need it most. I would like to highlight the work carried out by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada over the years for the benefit of its users and their families,” he said. The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised that this investment reflects his Government’s strategy towards strengthening social and health services, always in close cooperation with social economy institutions. “We are working to ensure that tomorrow is better than today, given that today is already better than yesterday. It is encouraging to see our institutions, particularly those dedicated to social solidarity, working in a complementary manner with the Regional Health Service to provide better care for the Azorean population,” he emphasised. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the importance of the Regional Integrated Continuing Care Network and the coordination between the different levels of care provision. “We have been seeking to develop a policy that makes healthcare increasingly accessible and of higher quality, whilst also prioritising health education. It is essential that we continue to strengthen this integrated care network and ensure the complementary nature of the services available, so that we can respond, in an increasingly personalised manner, to the overall needs of the population,” he concluded. The UCCI project was supported through Cooperation Investment Value Contract no. 83/2020, for a maximum amount of €2.3 million, covering not only the refurbishment and modernisation of the third floor of the former Ponta Delgada Hospital but also the general refurbishment of the institution’s laundry facilities. The investment helped to make the spaces more patient-centred as well as to improve comfort, privacy and the quality of care provided. With this project, the Regional Government reinforces its commitment to enhancing the Regional Continuing and Palliative Care Network, promoting more patient-centred, accessible and appropriate responses to the needs of the Azorean population. Also present during the visit were the Ombudsman of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada, Américo Natalino Viveiros, the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, and the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, alongside other representatives and officials from the health, social welfare and local government sectors.
Nota de Imprensa
June 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro reafirma prioridade à saúde com reforço tecnológico no Hospital da Horta O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, inaugurou na terça-feira os novos equipamentos de Tomografia Axial Computorizada (TAC) e de Ressonância Magnética do Hospital da Horta, num investimento que reforça a capacidade de resposta do Serviço Regional de Saúde e melhora o acesso dos açorianos a cuidados de saúde diferenciados. O Hospital da Horta já beneficiou de um investimento global de cerca de 6,8 milhões de euros em viaturas e equipamentos, dos quais cerca de 551 mil euros foram aplicados na aquisição de seis viaturas, cerca de 1,5 milhões de euros na instalação da nova Ressonância Magnética e aproximadamente 460 mil euros na aquisição do novo equipamento de TAC. Desde 1 de janeiro de 2022 até 31 de março de 2026, foram ainda realizadas mais de duas mil ressonâncias magnéticas através de referenciação, num custo que ascendeu a cerca de um milhão de euros. O líder do executivo açoriano destacou que “os profissionais de saúde do Hospital da Horta têm agora mais e melhores meios para cumprir a sua missão ao serviço dos outros”, sublinhando o compromisso do Governo dos Açores com a valorização dos profissionais e a melhoria contínua dos cuidados prestados à população. O governante reafirmou ainda que “a saúde é uma prioridade deste Governo”, defendendo que os investimentos realizados contribuem para reduzir preocupações das famílias açorianas e garantir maior proximidade, rapidez e qualidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde. José Manuel Bolieiro salientou também que, apesar dos desafios inerentes à condição geográfica da Região, “prevalece a dignidade humana e a possibilidade de servir cada pessoa da melhor forma possível, sem exclusões”, justificando assim a aposta na modernização e capacitação do Hospital da Horta. Os resultados da atividade assistencial demonstram igualmente o reforço da capacidade de resposta da unidade hospitalar. Em 2025, o Hospital da Horta registou o maior número de cirurgias realizadas de sempre, com 3.125 intervenções, o maior número de sessões de Hospital de Dia, com 21.148, e o maior número de meios complementares de diagnóstico e terapêutica (MCDT), que totalizaram 26.945 atos. A cerimónia contou ainda com a presença da Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, da Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Hospital da Horta, Teresa Ribeiro, e do Presidente da Câmara Municipal da Horta, Carlos Ferreira, entre outras entidades e representantes institucionais.
June 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro reafirma prioridade à saúde com reforço tecnológico no Hospital da Horta O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, inaugurou na terça-feira os novos equipamentos de Tomografia Axial Computorizada (TAC) e de Ressonância Magnética do Hospital da Horta, num investimento que reforça a capacidade de resposta do Serviço Regional de Saúde e melhora o acesso dos açorianos a cuidados de saúde diferenciados. O Hospital da Horta já beneficiou de um investimento global de cerca de 6,8 milhões de euros em viaturas e equipamentos, dos quais cerca de 551 mil euros foram aplicados na aquisição de seis viaturas, cerca de 1,5 milhões de euros na instalação da nova Ressonância Magnética e aproximadamente 460 mil euros na aquisição do novo equipamento de TAC. Desde 1 de janeiro de 2022 até 31 de março de 2026, foram ainda realizadas mais de duas mil ressonâncias magnéticas através de referenciação, num custo que ascendeu a cerca de um milhão de euros. O líder do executivo açoriano destacou que “os profissionais de saúde do Hospital da Horta têm agora mais e melhores meios para cumprir a sua missão ao serviço dos outros”, sublinhando o compromisso do Governo dos Açores com a valorização dos profissionais e a melhoria contínua dos cuidados prestados à população. O governante reafirmou ainda que “a saúde é uma prioridade deste Governo”, defendendo que os investimentos realizados contribuem para reduzir preocupações das famílias açorianas e garantir maior proximidade, rapidez e qualidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde. José Manuel Bolieiro salientou também que, apesar dos desafios inerentes à condição geográfica da Região, “prevalece a dignidade humana e a possibilidade de servir cada pessoa da melhor forma possível, sem exclusões”, justificando assim a aposta na modernização e capacitação do Hospital da Horta. Os resultados da atividade assistencial demonstram igualmente o reforço da capacidade de resposta da unidade hospitalar. Em 2025, o Hospital da Horta registou o maior número de cirurgias realizadas de sempre, com 3.125 intervenções, o maior número de sessões de Hospital de Dia, com 21.148, e o maior número de meios complementares de diagnóstico e terapêutica (MCDT), que totalizaram 26.945 atos. A cerimónia contou ainda com a presença da Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, da Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Hospital da Horta, Teresa Ribeiro, e do Presidente da Câmara Municipal da Horta, Carlos Ferreira, entre outras entidades e representantes institucionais.
Nota de Imprensa
June 17, 2026 Açores são “ponto de convergência para o conhecimento, a inovação e o pensamento económico do futuro”, sublinha Artur Lima O Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, Artur Lima, destacou a vocação dos Açores para serem “um ponto de convergência para o conhecimento, a inovação e o pensamento económico do futuro”, durante a “33rd Annual Global Finance Conference". Para o Vice-Presidente, a realização deste fórum na Região “reafirma essa mesma vocação”. “Os Açores foram sempre um ponto de encontro, uma plataforma de ligação entre continentes. Os Açores não são apenas um arquipélago de beleza natural incomparável. Somos uma Região Ultraperiférica da Europa que escolheu olhar para a sua geografia não como um fator de isolamento, mas como uma centralidade atlântica única”, sublinhou. Artur Lima abordou os desafios de enorme complexidade que a economia global enfrenta, desde a transição digital e as emergências climáticas até à reconfiguração das cadeias de valor e à necessidade de assegurar a estabilidade financeira global. Estas transformações “exigem mais do que respostas de curto prazo. Exigem visão de longo prazo e uma compreensão profunda dos mecanismos que impulsionam o progresso humano”, asseverou. O governante assinalou a presença do Professor Joel Mokyr, Prémio Nobel da Economia de 2025, bem como o seu contributo pioneiro para a história da inovação tecnológica e as origens da economia moderna. “É uma honra contar com a sua presença. O seu trabalho pioneiro recorda-nos uma verdade fundamental: o crescimento económico sustentável não acontece por acaso. É antes o resultado do conhecimento, de instituições partilhadas e da nossa capacidade de transformar ideias em progresso social”, salientou. O Vice-Presidente do executivo manifestou ainda a expectativa de que o fórum seja tanto uma oportunidade “para a partilha de conhecimento e a criação de soluções que moldarão as políticas públicas de amanhã, como para conhecer e absorver a cultura e hospitalidade do Povo Açoriano”. A “33rd Annual Global Finance Conference” decorre até hoje na Universidade dos Açores, reunindo investigadores e especialistas de renome internacional para debater os principais desafios da economia e das finanças globais. A edição deste ano realiza-se pela primeira vez nos Açores e conta com a presença do Professor Joel Mokyr.
June 17, 2026 Açores são “ponto de convergência para o conhecimento, a inovação e o pensamento económico do futuro”, sublinha Artur Lima O Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, Artur Lima, destacou a vocação dos Açores para serem “um ponto de convergência para o conhecimento, a inovação e o pensamento económico do futuro”, durante a “33rd Annual Global Finance Conference". Para o Vice-Presidente, a realização deste fórum na Região “reafirma essa mesma vocação”. “Os Açores foram sempre um ponto de encontro, uma plataforma de ligação entre continentes. Os Açores não são apenas um arquipélago de beleza natural incomparável. Somos uma Região Ultraperiférica da Europa que escolheu olhar para a sua geografia não como um fator de isolamento, mas como uma centralidade atlântica única”, sublinhou. Artur Lima abordou os desafios de enorme complexidade que a economia global enfrenta, desde a transição digital e as emergências climáticas até à reconfiguração das cadeias de valor e à necessidade de assegurar a estabilidade financeira global. Estas transformações “exigem mais do que respostas de curto prazo. Exigem visão de longo prazo e uma compreensão profunda dos mecanismos que impulsionam o progresso humano”, asseverou. O governante assinalou a presença do Professor Joel Mokyr, Prémio Nobel da Economia de 2025, bem como o seu contributo pioneiro para a história da inovação tecnológica e as origens da economia moderna. “É uma honra contar com a sua presença. O seu trabalho pioneiro recorda-nos uma verdade fundamental: o crescimento económico sustentável não acontece por acaso. É antes o resultado do conhecimento, de instituições partilhadas e da nossa capacidade de transformar ideias em progresso social”, salientou. O Vice-Presidente do executivo manifestou ainda a expectativa de que o fórum seja tanto uma oportunidade “para a partilha de conhecimento e a criação de soluções que moldarão as políticas públicas de amanhã, como para conhecer e absorver a cultura e hospitalidade do Povo Açoriano”. A “33rd Annual Global Finance Conference” decorre até hoje na Universidade dos Açores, reunindo investigadores e especialistas de renome internacional para debater os principais desafios da economia e das finanças globais. A edição deste ano realiza-se pela primeira vez nos Açores e conta com a presença do Professor Joel Mokyr.
Nota de Imprensa
June 17, 2026 Duarte Freitas confident in full implementation of RRP-Azores The Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, expressed his confidence that the RRP-Azores will be fully implemented. “Over the last 12 months, there has been a very significant acceleration in financial implementation. Given that larger-scale investments are nearing completion, this pace allows us to state, with confidence, that the RRP-Azores can be fully implemented in accordance with the applicable financial rules,” stated Duarte Freitas in Horta, during the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. He emphasised: “The Government’s stance is clear - we will meet all the RRP-Azores targets." The government official emphasised that with around two and a half months to go until the deadline for implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan – August 31, 2026 – the Azores have already met 25 of the 40 agreed targets. This is “the result of the collective effort of public institutions, businesses, local authorities, private social solidarity institutions, families and professionals who, on the ground, are implementing and monitoring demanding investments within an absolutely extraordinary timeframe.” According to the report for the first quarter of 2026, ten targets were "conditional" and five were "favourable," based on an additional technical assessment introduced by the Regional Government. An innovative approach nationwide, it classifies, for each period, the progress of each milestone and target as "Favourable," "Conditional," or "Critical" regarding the level of risk to their achievement. “Today, we can consider that only seven targets remain subject to conditions. They are mainly associated with construction projects, which naturally carry associated risks and have very tight deadlines for completion,” emphasised the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration. Duarte Freitas recalled that, under the plan approved in 2021 (€580 million to be managed directly by the Region, plus a further €117 million to which local authorities could access through national calls for proposals), following the proposals submitted and the reprogramming approved by the European Commission, the figure now stands at around €895 million, comprising investments of €725 million secured by the Region, plus €170 million in investments already approved through national calls for proposals. “This represents an increase of €200 million, or 28.5%, which reflects confidence in the quality of the projects and in our ability to deliver them. We will not achieve 100%, but rather 128.5%,” he added. The government official emphasised that, as far as the financial implementation under the Region's responsibility, the current figures stand at 54.1% in terms of implementation and 48.5% in terms of actual payments. “We are now turning to a legitimate and relevant matter: the continuity of projects. The RRP was not designed to be permanent. It was a tool for responding to a crisis. It is now important to ensure sustainability,” emphasised the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration. He added: “The 2027 Budget will reflect these choices, with a clear commitment to protecting people and ensuring the continuity of essential support measures. In this context, I can announce that the 'New Elderly' programme will continue in 2027.” Duarte Freitas also announced that a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the RRP in the Azores is currently being prepared, as the Regional Government believes “that it is essential to assess the outcome of the implementation of these public policies.”
June 17, 2026 Duarte Freitas confident in full implementation of RRP-Azores The Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, expressed his confidence that the RRP-Azores will be fully implemented. “Over the last 12 months, there has been a very significant acceleration in financial implementation. Given that larger-scale investments are nearing completion, this pace allows us to state, with confidence, that the RRP-Azores can be fully implemented in accordance with the applicable financial rules,” stated Duarte Freitas in Horta, during the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. He emphasised: “The Government’s stance is clear - we will meet all the RRP-Azores targets." The government official emphasised that with around two and a half months to go until the deadline for implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan – August 31, 2026 – the Azores have already met 25 of the 40 agreed targets. This is “the result of the collective effort of public institutions, businesses, local authorities, private social solidarity institutions, families and professionals who, on the ground, are implementing and monitoring demanding investments within an absolutely extraordinary timeframe.” According to the report for the first quarter of 2026, ten targets were "conditional" and five were "favourable," based on an additional technical assessment introduced by the Regional Government. An innovative approach nationwide, it classifies, for each period, the progress of each milestone and target as "Favourable," "Conditional," or "Critical" regarding the level of risk to their achievement. “Today, we can consider that only seven targets remain subject to conditions. They are mainly associated with construction projects, which naturally carry associated risks and have very tight deadlines for completion,” emphasised the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration. Duarte Freitas recalled that, under the plan approved in 2021 (€580 million to be managed directly by the Region, plus a further €117 million to which local authorities could access through national calls for proposals), following the proposals submitted and the reprogramming approved by the European Commission, the figure now stands at around €895 million, comprising investments of €725 million secured by the Region, plus €170 million in investments already approved through national calls for proposals. “This represents an increase of €200 million, or 28.5%, which reflects confidence in the quality of the projects and in our ability to deliver them. We will not achieve 100%, but rather 128.5%,” he added. The government official emphasised that, as far as the financial implementation under the Region's responsibility, the current figures stand at 54.1% in terms of implementation and 48.5% in terms of actual payments. “We are now turning to a legitimate and relevant matter: the continuity of projects. The RRP was not designed to be permanent. It was a tool for responding to a crisis. It is now important to ensure sustainability,” emphasised the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration. He added: “The 2027 Budget will reflect these choices, with a clear commitment to protecting people and ensuring the continuity of essential support measures. In this context, I can announce that the 'New Elderly' programme will continue in 2027.” Duarte Freitas also announced that a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the RRP in the Azores is currently being prepared, as the Regional Government believes “that it is essential to assess the outcome of the implementation of these public policies.”
