Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro entrega 13 novas habitações e reafirma prioridade “cristalina” na habitação
José Manuel Bolieiro entrega 13 novas habitações e reafirma prioridade “cristalina” na habitação
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Family Allowance Supplement for second half of 2025 already paid
Family Allowance Supplement for second half of 2025 already paid
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Azorean Councillors featured in eighth season of “Diaspora Talks"
Azorean Councillors featured in eighth season of “Diaspora Talks"
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral attended meeting of Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion
Berta Cabral attended meeting of Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion
Nota de Imprensa
January 19, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro entrega 13 novas habitações e reafirma prioridade “cristalina” na habitação O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, presidiu hoje à cerimónia de entrega de 13 novas habitações multifamiliares na Urbanização de São Brás, na ilha Terceira, assinalando um momento que considera de concretização de um compromisso público. “Estou hoje a concretizar em nome do Governo dos Açores este objetivo”, afirmou, sublinhando que a responsabilidade governativa passa por “fazer acontecer o desenvolvimento do bem-estar social, o apoio às pessoas e às famílias”. Integradas no Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), as 13 habitações representam um investimento de 2,4 milhões de euros (com IVA) e distribuem-se por oito fogos T2, quatro T3 e um T4. No total, vão beneficiar 13 agregados familiares, correspondendo a 42 pessoas (25 adultos e 17 menores). As casas destinam-se a habitação própria permanente e são atribuídas em regime de arrendamento com opção de compra, uma solução que procura dar estabilidade às famílias e, ao mesmo tempo, abrir caminho a uma transição mais segura para a aquisição. A opção de compra pode ser exercida pelo arrendatário após um ano da assinatura do contrato. O concurso público decorreu entre 15 de agosto e 30 de setembro de 2025, tendo sido submetidas 257 candidaturas. O líder do executivo açoriano reforçou que a prioridade política do Governo está centrada nas pessoas. “Nós definimos como prioridade para a governação as pessoas e as famílias”, disse, acrescentando que “as pessoas e as famílias são o fim principal da missão governativa e da missão política e do investimento público”. O Presidente do Governo apontou ainda o PRR como um instrumento decisivo para acelerar respostas, destacando “a importância alavanca que os fundos comunitários nos atribuíram”, considerando esta ajuda “distintiva” para garantir objetivos. Para José Manuel Bolieiro, a habitação tem vindo a assumir um lugar cada vez mais central na ação governativa, por ser determinante para a estabilidade e para o futuro das famílias. “A habitação tem-se afirmado cada vez mais como uma das prioridades”, afirmou, lembrando que “faz falta para a felicidade e projeto de vida das famílias” aumentar a oferta habitacional nos Açores. “É por isso que nós temos uma prioridade de forma absolutamente cristalina, relativamente à oferta habitacional”, reforçou. A cerimónia serviu também para fazer o ponto de situação do PRR Habitação na ilha Terceira. No âmbito de novas construções, estão já concluídas 37 habitações (incluindo as 13 de São Brás) e encontram-se 39 em execução. Em matéria de reabilitações, contabilizam-se 53 intervenções concluídas e 139 em execução. No conjunto, 100% dos procedimentos PRR Habitação na Terceira estão lançados, representando um investimento total final de 25.163.415,36 €, acrescido de IVA. A nível regional, o Governo dos Açores tem também lançados todos os procedimentos (para execução de empreitadas) PRR Habitação, num total de 767 respostas habitacional, entre reabilitações, construções e lotes, correspondendo a um investimento global de 65 milhões de euros. Estiveram presentes na cerimónia o Vice-Presidente do Governo dos Açores, Artur Lima, a Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, Maria João Carreiro, e a Presidente da Câmara Municipal da Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira.
January 19, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro entrega 13 novas habitações e reafirma prioridade “cristalina” na habitação O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, presidiu hoje à cerimónia de entrega de 13 novas habitações multifamiliares na Urbanização de São Brás, na ilha Terceira, assinalando um momento que considera de concretização de um compromisso público. “Estou hoje a concretizar em nome do Governo dos Açores este objetivo”, afirmou, sublinhando que a responsabilidade governativa passa por “fazer acontecer o desenvolvimento do bem-estar social, o apoio às pessoas e às famílias”. Integradas no Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), as 13 habitações representam um investimento de 2,4 milhões de euros (com IVA) e distribuem-se por oito fogos T2, quatro T3 e um T4. No total, vão beneficiar 13 agregados familiares, correspondendo a 42 pessoas (25 adultos e 17 menores). As casas destinam-se a habitação própria permanente e são atribuídas em regime de arrendamento com opção de compra, uma solução que procura dar estabilidade às famílias e, ao mesmo tempo, abrir caminho a uma transição mais segura para a aquisição. A opção de compra pode ser exercida pelo arrendatário após um ano da assinatura do contrato. O concurso público decorreu entre 15 de agosto e 30 de setembro de 2025, tendo sido submetidas 257 candidaturas. O líder do executivo açoriano reforçou que a prioridade política do Governo está centrada nas pessoas. “Nós definimos como prioridade para a governação as pessoas e as famílias”, disse, acrescentando que “as pessoas e as famílias são o fim principal da missão governativa e da missão política e do investimento público”. O Presidente do Governo apontou ainda o PRR como um instrumento decisivo para acelerar respostas, destacando “a importância alavanca que os fundos comunitários nos atribuíram”, considerando esta ajuda “distintiva” para garantir objetivos. Para José Manuel Bolieiro, a habitação tem vindo a assumir um lugar cada vez mais central na ação governativa, por ser determinante para a estabilidade e para o futuro das famílias. “A habitação tem-se afirmado cada vez mais como uma das prioridades”, afirmou, lembrando que “faz falta para a felicidade e projeto de vida das famílias” aumentar a oferta habitacional nos Açores. “É por isso que nós temos uma prioridade de forma absolutamente cristalina, relativamente à oferta habitacional”, reforçou. A cerimónia serviu também para fazer o ponto de situação do PRR Habitação na ilha Terceira. No âmbito de novas construções, estão já concluídas 37 habitações (incluindo as 13 de São Brás) e encontram-se 39 em execução. Em matéria de reabilitações, contabilizam-se 53 intervenções concluídas e 139 em execução. No conjunto, 100% dos procedimentos PRR Habitação na Terceira estão lançados, representando um investimento total final de 25.163.415,36 €, acrescido de IVA. A nível regional, o Governo dos Açores tem também lançados todos os procedimentos (para execução de empreitadas) PRR Habitação, num total de 767 respostas habitacional, entre reabilitações, construções e lotes, correspondendo a um investimento global de 65 milhões de euros. Estiveram presentes na cerimónia o Vice-Presidente do Governo dos Açores, Artur Lima, a Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, Maria João Carreiro, e a Presidente da Câmara Municipal da Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira.
Nota de Imprensa
January 19, 2026 Family Allowance Supplement for second half of 2025 already paid The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA), processed today the payment of the Azorean Family Allowance Supplement for children and young people (CAAF) for the second half of 2025. This payment covered 30,653 beneficiaries, corresponding to an overall amount of €1,473,427.70, thus bolstering support for Azorean families with children and young people in their care. It should be noted that, since 2019, the amount invested in the CAAF has grown 54% and that, since 2021, €13.6 million has been invested in this support measure under the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition governments. The CAAF is granted every six months, being processed twice a year, and is an important social policy measure consisting of a cash supplement awarded to Family Allowance recipients residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Although recipients are children and young people, the payment is made to their parents, legal guardians or institutional guardians. According to the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, this aid represents a direct contribution to improving the living conditions of families, helping them to meet the costs associated with the livelihood, education and well-being of children and young people. The government official also emphasised that this supplement plays an essential role in combating child poverty, promoting social cohesion and reducing regional inequalities, while also helping to encourage births on the nine islands of the archipelago. The Regional Government of the Azores also continues to promote child welfare and health, as well as seeking to improve birth rates, through the “Birth Plus” programme, which provides non-refundable financial aid amounting to €1,500 for products purchased in pharmacies for all children born in the Azores in their early years. "Last year, this measure covered 2,000 beneficiaries. Since 2022, approximately €5.4 million has been invested in this programme," added the Regional Secretary.
January 19, 2026 Family Allowance Supplement for second half of 2025 already paid The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA), processed today the payment of the Azorean Family Allowance Supplement for children and young people (CAAF) for the second half of 2025. This payment covered 30,653 beneficiaries, corresponding to an overall amount of €1,473,427.70, thus bolstering support for Azorean families with children and young people in their care. It should be noted that, since 2019, the amount invested in the CAAF has grown 54% and that, since 2021, €13.6 million has been invested in this support measure under the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition governments. The CAAF is granted every six months, being processed twice a year, and is an important social policy measure consisting of a cash supplement awarded to Family Allowance recipients residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Although recipients are children and young people, the payment is made to their parents, legal guardians or institutional guardians. According to the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, this aid represents a direct contribution to improving the living conditions of families, helping them to meet the costs associated with the livelihood, education and well-being of children and young people. The government official also emphasised that this supplement plays an essential role in combating child poverty, promoting social cohesion and reducing regional inequalities, while also helping to encourage births on the nine islands of the archipelago. The Regional Government of the Azores also continues to promote child welfare and health, as well as seeking to improve birth rates, through the “Birth Plus” programme, which provides non-refundable financial aid amounting to €1,500 for products purchased in pharmacies for all children born in the Azores in their early years. "Last year, this measure covered 2,000 beneficiaries. Since 2022, approximately €5.4 million has been invested in this programme," added the Regional Secretary.
Nota de Imprensa
January 19, 2026 Azorean Councillors featured in eighth season of “Diaspora Talks" The "Diaspora Talks," a series of biographical interviews in online format, premieres another season: its eighth season. It will introduce the Azorean Diaspora Councillors, the active voices of global Azorean identity, who were elected for the 2025-2029 term. The first episode is set to air this Sunday, January 25, at 6 p.m., featuring Councillors Sofia Quintana from Uruguay and Régis Gomes from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, through the Regional Directorate for the Communities, this initiative aims to bring the Azores closer to its emigrant communities in the diaspora and to immigrants residing in the archipelago, while also encouraging the participation of the general public. The eighth season brings together the 17 elected Councillors, distributed across the geographical areas of Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America, Uruguay, mainland Portugal and the rest of the world. The main change this season is the broadcast day, with sessions now taking place on Sundays at 6 p.m. instead of Mondays. The upcoming episodes, following the planned scheduled, will feature Marcos Pinheiro, from Santa Catarina, and António Arruda, from São Paulo (February 8); Marcos Borba, from Rio de Janeiro, and Vânia Silva, representing the remaining states of Brazil (February 22); Ricardo Ambrósio, from Bermuda, and Danny de Melo, from Massachusetts (March 8); David Pimentel and Katherine Soares, representing the remaining states of the United States of America (March 22); Zeto Carvalho, from California, and Esmeralda Cabral, from British Columbia (April 5); Matthew Correia, from Ontario, and Paulo Cabral, from Manitoba (April 19); and, lastly, Carlos Almeida, representing the remaining provinces of Canada, Rui Silva, representative of Mainland Portugal and Madeira, and Tiago Domingues, representing the rest of the world (May 3). The first three of seven seasons of "Diaspora Talks" aired in 2021 and were dedicated, successively, to the Houses of the Azores, the Azorean Diaspora Councillors for the 2021-2025 term, and the media outlets serving the Azorean communities in the United States and Canada. The fourth season kicked off in 2022 with community social service organisations, and in 2023, the initiative featured Azorean personalities who have distinguished themselves outside Portugal. In 2024, "Diaspora Talks" introduced "new Azoreans," i.e. third-country nationals residing in the archipelago. The seventh season featured fifteen Azorean descendants residing in Brazil, Bermuda, the United States of America and Canada, who have made a name for themselves in various fields of activity. As in previous editions, the interviews are broadcast on the “Azorean Communities” Facebook page, with replays on YouTube, and presented by the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade.
January 19, 2026 Azorean Councillors featured in eighth season of “Diaspora Talks" The "Diaspora Talks," a series of biographical interviews in online format, premieres another season: its eighth season. It will introduce the Azorean Diaspora Councillors, the active voices of global Azorean identity, who were elected for the 2025-2029 term. The first episode is set to air this Sunday, January 25, at 6 p.m., featuring Councillors Sofia Quintana from Uruguay and Régis Gomes from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, through the Regional Directorate for the Communities, this initiative aims to bring the Azores closer to its emigrant communities in the diaspora and to immigrants residing in the archipelago, while also encouraging the participation of the general public. The eighth season brings together the 17 elected Councillors, distributed across the geographical areas of Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America, Uruguay, mainland Portugal and the rest of the world. The main change this season is the broadcast day, with sessions now taking place on Sundays at 6 p.m. instead of Mondays. The upcoming episodes, following the planned scheduled, will feature Marcos Pinheiro, from Santa Catarina, and António Arruda, from São Paulo (February 8); Marcos Borba, from Rio de Janeiro, and Vânia Silva, representing the remaining states of Brazil (February 22); Ricardo Ambrósio, from Bermuda, and Danny de Melo, from Massachusetts (March 8); David Pimentel and Katherine Soares, representing the remaining states of the United States of America (March 22); Zeto Carvalho, from California, and Esmeralda Cabral, from British Columbia (April 5); Matthew Correia, from Ontario, and Paulo Cabral, from Manitoba (April 19); and, lastly, Carlos Almeida, representing the remaining provinces of Canada, Rui Silva, representative of Mainland Portugal and Madeira, and Tiago Domingues, representing the rest of the world (May 3). The first three of seven seasons of "Diaspora Talks" aired in 2021 and were dedicated, successively, to the Houses of the Azores, the Azorean Diaspora Councillors for the 2021-2025 term, and the media outlets serving the Azorean communities in the United States and Canada. The fourth season kicked off in 2022 with community social service organisations, and in 2023, the initiative featured Azorean personalities who have distinguished themselves outside Portugal. In 2024, "Diaspora Talks" introduced "new Azoreans," i.e. third-country nationals residing in the archipelago. The seventh season featured fifteen Azorean descendants residing in Brazil, Bermuda, the United States of America and Canada, who have made a name for themselves in various fields of activity. As in previous editions, the interviews are broadcast on the “Azorean Communities” Facebook page, with replays on YouTube, and presented by the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade.
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 Berta Cabral attended meeting of Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, participated today in the meeting of the Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion held in Faro. The government official was accompanied by the Regional Director for Tourism, Rosa Costa, and the President of Visit Azores, Luís Capdeville. During the meeting, the new Portugal Brand (BAV) study was presented. The main findings were disclosed and will soon be made available to all entities in the sector. This study is a fundamental strategic tool for defining the country's external promotion priorities. Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority) also presented its results from 2025, outlining the sector's evolution and key performance indicators. This was followed by presentations from the Tourism Regions, which shared their challenges and priorities for the next cycle. Among the topics highlighted was the need to increase investment in attracting international events, prioritising growth in value over an increase in visitor figures. The constraints on national airport infrastructures were also addressed, having been identified as one of the main factors limiting the sustainable growth of tourism. For Berta Cabral, these issues are "crucial for the future of the sector" and should be analysed with special attention, both in the national context and in an island region such as the Azores. The Regional Secretary also stressed the need to align strategic thinking on the promotion of tourism in Portugal, boosting investment in attracting events "as drivers of visibility, value and diversification of demand." The Tourism Regions, including the Azores, agreed on the priority of investing in tourism with greater added value, which is more sustainable and qualified, advocating that the future of the sector lies in an approach that favours quality over quantity. The Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion is the advisory body of the Government of the Republic for the external promotion of Portugal as a tourist destination. As such, it fosters strategic coordination between Turismo de Portugal, the Regional Governments of the Azores and Madeira, the Portuguese Tourism Confederation, the Regional Tourism Promotion Agencies, and the respective Regional Tourism Entities.
January 16, 2026 Berta Cabral attended meeting of Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, participated today in the meeting of the Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion held in Faro. The government official was accompanied by the Regional Director for Tourism, Rosa Costa, and the President of Visit Azores, Luís Capdeville. During the meeting, the new Portugal Brand (BAV) study was presented. The main findings were disclosed and will soon be made available to all entities in the sector. This study is a fundamental strategic tool for defining the country's external promotion priorities. Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority) also presented its results from 2025, outlining the sector's evolution and key performance indicators. This was followed by presentations from the Tourism Regions, which shared their challenges and priorities for the next cycle. Among the topics highlighted was the need to increase investment in attracting international events, prioritising growth in value over an increase in visitor figures. The constraints on national airport infrastructures were also addressed, having been identified as one of the main factors limiting the sustainable growth of tourism. For Berta Cabral, these issues are "crucial for the future of the sector" and should be analysed with special attention, both in the national context and in an island region such as the Azores. The Regional Secretary also stressed the need to align strategic thinking on the promotion of tourism in Portugal, boosting investment in attracting events "as drivers of visibility, value and diversification of demand." The Tourism Regions, including the Azores, agreed on the priority of investing in tourism with greater added value, which is more sustainable and qualified, advocating that the future of the sector lies in an approach that favours quality over quantity. The Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion is the advisory body of the Government of the Republic for the external promotion of Portugal as a tourist destination. As such, it fosters strategic coordination between Turismo de Portugal, the Regional Governments of the Azores and Madeira, the Portuguese Tourism Confederation, the Regional Tourism Promotion Agencies, and the respective Regional Tourism Entities.
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 LEADER programme reaches €42 million in funding and strengthens support for rural investment, says António Ventura The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted today the effectiveness of the LEADER Programme in rural development in the Azores, which has seen an overall investment of €41.8 million and 696 projects supported under PRORURAL+ (2014-2025) and co-financed by the EAFRD. The government official spoke during a visit to the “Próteas Arline Avelar” project, together with the President of the Board of Directors of GRATER, in São Bartolomeu, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. This is an initiative aimed at agricultural diversification and the promotion of local products, which is supported by this financial tool. "LEADER has been a decisive tool in giving a voice to territories and supporting those who want to invest and create opportunities on our islands," stated António Ventura. The government official added that "projects like this show that, when there is proximity, local knowledge and technical support, it is possible to generate economic, social and environmental value sustainably." In the Azores, the LEADER approach is based on Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), implemented by Local Action Groups (LAGs). This methodology is considered strategic for the archipelago, enabling it to respond to the geographical dispersion challenges and the need to diversify the rural and island economy. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food reinforced the programme in 2025 with €18.5 million, ensuring that progress reaches all islands equitably and stimulating local job creation, from the agrifood sector to sustainable tourism. With a view to the new programming period under the PEPAC (2026-2028), António Ventura announced an allocation of €14.4 million and an innovative measure to boost the business fabric in rural areas. "Under PEPAC, the LEADER programme will award a €15,000 installation premium to companies setting up in rural areas of the Azores, regardless of their economic classification," revealed the Secretary for Agriculture. The government official stressed that the necessary legislation for the new support cycle is already being prepared, ensuring the continuity of rural and community development until 2028. For the Regional Secretary, these policies ensure that agriculture and related activities continue to be the driving force for social cohesion and the strengthening of rural communities in the Azores.
January 16, 2026 LEADER programme reaches €42 million in funding and strengthens support for rural investment, says António Ventura The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted today the effectiveness of the LEADER Programme in rural development in the Azores, which has seen an overall investment of €41.8 million and 696 projects supported under PRORURAL+ (2014-2025) and co-financed by the EAFRD. The government official spoke during a visit to the “Próteas Arline Avelar” project, together with the President of the Board of Directors of GRATER, in São Bartolomeu, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. This is an initiative aimed at agricultural diversification and the promotion of local products, which is supported by this financial tool. "LEADER has been a decisive tool in giving a voice to territories and supporting those who want to invest and create opportunities on our islands," stated António Ventura. The government official added that "projects like this show that, when there is proximity, local knowledge and technical support, it is possible to generate economic, social and environmental value sustainably." In the Azores, the LEADER approach is based on Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), implemented by Local Action Groups (LAGs). This methodology is considered strategic for the archipelago, enabling it to respond to the geographical dispersion challenges and the need to diversify the rural and island economy. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food reinforced the programme in 2025 with €18.5 million, ensuring that progress reaches all islands equitably and stimulating local job creation, from the agrifood sector to sustainable tourism. With a view to the new programming period under the PEPAC (2026-2028), António Ventura announced an allocation of €14.4 million and an innovative measure to boost the business fabric in rural areas. "Under PEPAC, the LEADER programme will award a €15,000 installation premium to companies setting up in rural areas of the Azores, regardless of their economic classification," revealed the Secretary for Agriculture. The government official stressed that the necessary legislation for the new support cycle is already being prepared, ensuring the continuity of rural and community development until 2028. For the Regional Secretary, these policies ensure that agriculture and related activities continue to be the driving force for social cohesion and the strengthening of rural communities in the Azores.
