Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro reuniu-se com CEO da CUF e participou em homenagem aos profissionais
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje numa cerimónia de homenagem aos profissionais do Hospital CUF Açores, numa demonstração pública de reconhecimento pelo apoio prestado ao Serviço Regional de Saúde (SRS) após o incêndio que, em maio do ano passado, afetou gravemente o Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES), em Ponta Delgada. A cerimónia decorreu nas instalações da CUF Açores, após uma reunião entre José Manuel Bolieiro e o CEO da CUF, Rui Diniz. Para além da homenagem aos profissionais envolvidos, o momento serviu também para assinalar os 80 anos da fundação da CUF, um marco simbólico de longevidade e compromisso com a saúde. “Quero deixar uma palavra de gratidão e reconhecimento. O que cada um fez, fez bem”, afirmou o Presidente do Governo, dirigindo-se aos profissionais da CUF, que acolheram utentes e serviços do HDES durante um período de grande exigência e incerteza. O incêndio no HDES obrigou à evacuação total da unidade hospitalar, envolvendo centenas de doentes e profissionais. Graças à resposta rápida e eficaz das estruturas de saúde da Região, em estreita articulação com o setor privado, foi possível assegurar a continuidade dos cuidados sem consequências graves para os utentes. Segundo José Manuel Bolieiro, o sucesso da operação foi fruto de uma ação coordenada, onde todos deram o melhor de si. “Foi uma situação de calamidade. Mas correu bem porque houve esforço, entrega e profissionalismo”, sublinhou, acrescentando ainda que, “não houve facilitismos, houve virtude na forma como foi enfrentada a dificuldade”. O líder do executivo açoriano destacou ainda a forma como a CUF acolheu os utentes, garantindo condições de dignidade e qualidade clínica. A homenagem foi também ocasião para reforçar o compromisso do Governo dos Açores com uma estratégia de colaboração entre os setores público, privado e social da saúde. O governante defendeu um modelo de complementaridade que potencie recursos e capacidades, assegurando uma rede de resposta mais robusta e integrada. “Queremos um SRS musculado, preparado para responder à essência, e a essência não se pode limitar ao mínimo”, referiu. O Presidente do Governo deixou, por fim, uma mensagem de estímulo: “Cada situação é uma oportunidade de aprendizagem. Continuaremos a trabalhar para uma saúde mais preparada, mais humana e mais próxima".

Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2025
Berta Cabral received in audience President of the Portuguese Association of Technical Engineers
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, received in audience the newly appointed President of the Portuguese Association of Technical Engineers, José Manuel Sousa, who was accompanied by representatives of the Azores Regional Section.  At the meeting held Friday, structural and current topics for the Autonomous Region of the Azores were addressed, namely the challenges to the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), the difficulties in accessing skilled labour in the engineering sector, and the need to strengthen training provision and education in the first and second cycles of higher education. The government official expressed her appreciation for the institutional visit, congratulating the new President on his election and wishing him successful and constructive work at the service of technical engineering in Portugal. Berta Cabral also reiterated "the full willingness of the Regional Government to collaborate with the Association on matters of common interest and initiatives promoting knowledge, skills and economic development in the Region." The Regional Secretary took the opportunity to challenge professional associations "to actively contribute to reducing bureaucracy in licensing and technical approval processes." She stressed that "streamlining procedures is essential to speed up public investment, ensure greater efficiency in the implementation of EU funds and boost the competitiveness of the territory." The meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and institutional cooperation, with emphasis on the importance of strengthening dialogue and joint working channels between the Regional Government and professional associations, for the benefit of the Region and the country. In addition to the new President of the Portuguese Association of Technical Engineers, José Manuel Sousa, the audience was also attended by the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Association of Technical Engineers, Luís Santos, the President of the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Association of Technical Engineers, Sara Pavão, and the Vice-President of the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Association of Technical Engineers, Carlos Santos.

Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2025
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) celebrated its 45th anniversary at a ceremony held last Saturday at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. It was chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, and attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection in the Azores. During the ceremony, Alonso Miguel stated that "Civil Protection represents a pact between political power and society, between those who govern and those who protect, and between those who serve and those who trust." He added that "the Regional Civil Protection System must be a factor of social cohesion, playing a crucial role in the safety and well-being of the Azorean population." "In an island territory such as the Azores, marked by geographical dispersion and vulnerability to extreme natural phenomena, often aggravated by climate change, Civil Protection asserts itself as a relevant, differentiated and capable structure to act effectively and in an integrated manner in the face of the Region's unique demands," he said. The government official stated that “the Regional Government has taken a clear stance that protecting is governing. It has placed civil protection at the core of strategic decisions, promoting increased investment in infrastructures and equipment, valuing human resources, and creating legal and financial instruments to guarantee stability, predictability, and fairness in the sector.” “Over the last four years, more than 46 million Euros have been invested in civil protection and firefighting in the Azores. In 2025, we will have the largest investment plan ever, with a budget of around 14 million Euros,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel highlighted some of the main advances and achievements of recent years, such as "the creation of a new financing model for the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores in early 2025. It has rectified historical imbalances by providing half a million Euros annually to ensure financial stability and predictability for these institutions." The Regional Secretary also highlighted "the strong commitment to renewing and modernising the rescue fleet, something that had not happened since 2010. This has been achieved through the acquisition of nine heavy fire truck tankers and a multi-victim tow truck, with the launch of a tender for the purchase of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles and a new tender for the acquisition of another five specialised fire vehicles,” corresponding to an overall investment of more than 6.2 million Euros. The new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters was also highlighted, which "maintains the previously established benefits in the areas of education, health and housing support." It introduces relevant changes, "namely the support for length-of-service bonuses for retirement purposes to fully exempt firefighters from paying for this benefit," and volunteering incentives, "with the allocation of annual financial support to firefighters who carry out the operational work established on a voluntary basis." The government official also highlighted "the enormous effort, in conjunction with the Associations and the Azores Fire Federation, to dignify, protect and recognise the work of firefighters, starting with the updating of salary scales, as seen at the end of 2024. There were increases of more than 100 Euros per month at the bottom of the career ladder and 220 Euros at the top, but there was also a stronger focus on training and significant investment in personal protective equipment, which has exceeded 600 thousand Euros over the last four years." Alonso Miguel also pointed out the redefinition of the pre-hospital emergency medical policy, which is now "closer, stronger and more professional, with more equipment, more specialised training and more resources for transporting victims." He revealed that "the planned investment in this area for 2025 is set at 7.9 million Euros, corresponding to an increase of 61% compared to 2020." Among the main investments in pre-hospital emergency medical care, the government official highlighted "the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet, with the acquisition of another nine  ambulances, an investment of about one million Euros; the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System, with the delivery of two new Immediate Life Support vehicles and three telemetry devices in October 2024, representing an investment of over 160 thousand Euros; and the reinforcement of Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency crews, with four additional crews since May 2025, corresponding to an additional investment of around 460 thousand Euros per year." According to Alonso Miguel, “these decisions, measures and investments are not improvised. They are the result of an integrated vision, where civil protection is not just a reaction but also planning, public policy and a statement of the Region's ability to take care of itself.” "Civil protection is not just an emergency response system. It contributes directly to the well-being and economic development of communities, promotes a sense of safety and fosters mutual trust between the population and the authorities," he stressed. The Regional Secretary stated that “in an archipelago where geography poses constant challenges, investing in civil protection is investing in regional sovereignty. It is about ensuring that, in the face of adversity, we have the means, skills and leadership. It is about asserting that autonomy is not measured solely in statutes but in the ability to protect every Azorean on every island and in all circumstances.” The government official concluded by stating that "the organisational model, the capacity for inter-institutional coordination, its integration into the territory and the level of technical training make the SRPCBA a national and international benchmark today." Alonso Miguel also acknowledged "the important role played by the former Presidents of the SRPCBA," who were honoured at the ceremony, "in building the Region's civil protection system." He also highlighted "the exemplary leadership of the current President, Major Rui Andrade, who has been instrumental in many of the achievements made in recent years." He also expressed his "appreciation and gratitude to the professionals at SRPCBA for their dedication and competence, as well as for the extraordinary work they do every day and the fundamental contribution they make to the recognised excellence of the Service, which is a source of pride for everyone."

Nota de Imprensa
June 20, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights University of the Azores' “strategic” role in future of the Region
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the presentation of the Study on the Impact of the University of the Azores on the Ecosystem of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, an event held at the Aula Magna of the University. The session featured a round table moderated by journalist Marta Silva. It brought together prominent figures, including the Rector of the University, Susana Mira Leal, retired  Judge Counsellor José Manuel Monteiro da Silva, the administrative director of Bensaude Group, Marco Lopes, and Paulo Madruga, from the consultancy Ernst & Young. The study acknowledges the University of the Azores for its fundamental role as a hub for knowledge production and human capital qualification in the Region. With 50 years of history, the University of the Azores is distinguished as an institution of excellence in addressing matters concerning island territories, maritime affairs and transatlantic relations. It stands as a pillar of social, cultural and economic development in the Azores. Between 2014 and 2024, 5,174 students graduated from the University of the Azores. Most of them remain in the Region and work in priority sectors for the Azores Smart Specialisation Strategy. The employability rate among graduates is high, with only 3% taking more than six months to enter the labour market. The University currently has 2,931 students and 496 employees, including 264 teaching faculty. The ability to attract students from outside the archipelago has also increased, with more than 20% of students coming from Mainland Portugal, Madeira or foreign countries. This is the result of a strategic commitment to internationalisation and scientific differentiation in areas such as marine sciences, health, heritage, agriculture and the environment. The head of the Azorean Government noted that the Government of the Azores has been consistently stepping up its support for the University. Unlike in previous years, when regional funding ranged between 250 thousand and 500 thousand Euros, the amounts allocated have been steadily increasing since 2021. In 2021, the amount totalled 550 thousand Euros, followed by 650 thousand Euros in 2022, 660 thousand Euros in 2023, and exceeded one million Euros in 2024. For 2025, funding amounting to 1.8 million Euros is already planned. According to the President of the Government, this investment is "a demonstration of true commitment to the development of the University of the Azores." He emphasised: "This support is not just a matter of words and good intentions, it is a tangible, planned and consistent action." The President of the Government reiterated the importance of the University as a partner of the regional administration and civil society. "The University of the Azores should preferably be sought out as a source of knowledge and scientific basis for public and private decisions," he defended, calling on the business community and local authorities to follow this guideline as well. However, José Manuel Bolieiro made it clear that, despite increased regional support, the institution's structural funding must continue to be provided by the State: "The Government of the Azores cannot take on responsibilities that fall under the National Government, especially in the context of the law on public higher education funding." The President of the Government ended on an optimistic note about the future: "We have the perfect conditions for the Azores to be a real lab for science, innovation, and research." Based on the study data, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in a smart specialisation strategy that values the ecosystem of the archipelago and promotes the University of the Azores nationally and internationally.

Nota de Imprensa
June 20, 2025
Regional Government wants to implement foster care system
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today at a parliamentary hearing that the Regional Government wants to implement the foster care system in the Region. "This measure has already been implemented in Mainland Portugal and Madeira. We would like to see it applied to children in the Autonomous Region of the Azores as well, for they all have the right to grow up in a family," stressed the government official.  "This measure tends to be temporary and transitional. It is aimed at providing children with a safe, structured and loving family environment that promotes their physical and emotional well-being when this is not possible with their birth family," added Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also stated that this measure should take precedence over residential care for children up to six years of age. The placement of a child/young person in a duly qualified foster family always depends on the decision by the court or the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth. It is the responsibility of the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA) to identify the family that best suits their needs. The draft Decree presented today adapts the implementation of the measure to the Autonomous Region of the Azores as a means of promoting the rights and protection of children and young people. In the Region, ISSA will be the entity responsible for assessing and selecting foster care applications. Mónica Seidi also explained that awareness, information and dissemination campaigns will be developed to attract applicants.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2025
Regional Government presents new model for regional electricity system at conference at University of the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, participated on Tuesday in the conference "Challenges of the Electricity Sector in the Economy of the Azores," held at Amphitheatre VII of the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada. At the opening session, the government official highlighted the importance of the event, pointing out that "discussing the challenges facing the electricity sector in the Azores is about discussing the resilience of communities, the competitiveness of the economy and the quality of life of our citizens." "It is, basically, about planning our future," she continued. The Regional Secretary praised the coordination between the University, companies and the Public Administration. She defended that "the synergy between scientific knowledge and practice is the best mechanism for responding to the demands of a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable electricity sector." During the session, the new organisational model for the Azores Electricity System (SEA) was also presented, with the legislative proposal soon to be considered by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. "This is a structural law that adapts the national and European framework to the regional reality, respecting the derogation provided for in the European Directive on the internal market for electricity," she explained. The government official added that the new model "maintains the integrated structure of production, transport, distribution and marketing activities, provided by EDA as a public service, but introduces important innovations." Among these innovations, the Regional Secretary highlighted the introduction of auctions for independent electricity production, the promotion of more predictable sources, such as geothermal energy, and the creation of technological free zones. The government official also pointed out that the new framework had been "extensively discussed with industry stakeholders. It incorporates relevant technical and legal contributions, providing a balanced solution adapted to the reality of the Region and aligned with European obligations." During her speech, the Regional Secretary also acknowledged the role of EDA – Empresa de Eletricidade dos Açores, praising the company for “successfully balancing system management with structural investments in renewable energy sources and storage solutions, ensuring stability and reliability of supply.” The Best MBA Student Award in Business Management from the University of the Azores was also delivered at this session. The conference was organised by the University of the Azores and EDA. It brought together experts, academics, policy-makers and representatives from the regional energy sector.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2025
Regional Government secures 20 new immediate nursery vacancies in Ponta Delgada
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, visited today the new nursery rooms installed at the Enzinazor association's daycare centre located at Colégio Palmo e Meio in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. "This conversion of rooms and reorganisation of the daycare centre, adjusted to the needs of the waiting list, which is effectively longer for this age group, has led to the creation of two new nursery rooms with immediate admission. There are now five rooms for the age group with the highest demand at this facility," the minister emphasised. With a view to implementing the new rooms, it was necessary to make minor adjustments to the milk preparation area and purchase some furniture. "As such, we are attentive to the needs of families and are providing an immediate response to 20 new children under the age of one. The selection process for admissions for the next school year is already underway and is expected to be completed by the end of July," added Mónica Seidi. Since 2020 and until the first half of 2025, the Regional Government has already created 815 new daycare vacancies. The amount invested in free daycare for this year alone exceeds 23 million Euros, corresponding to an 82% increase in the amount invested since 2020.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2025
New lease with purchase option scheme reduces burden on Azoreans seeking access to housing
The new lease with purchase option scheme, recently approved by the Council of the Government, will contribute to reducing the burden on Azoreans in accessing housing, according to the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. This scheme will allow households, including young, middle-class and single-parent families, to benefit from the housing solutions being built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for the Azores and the Regional Budget at prices compatible with their income. This is the case of the 13 new single-family houses nearing completion in the São Brás housing development, municipality of Praia da Vitória, on Terceira Island – eight are two-bedroom houses, four are three-bedroom houses, and the other is a four-bedroom house  – representing an investment of 2.1 million Euros, as confirmed by Maria João Carreiro during her visit to the site. On the occasion, the Regional Secretary also announced that a public tender is expected to be launched in August for the allocation of these new houses on a lease with purchase option scheme. The purchase option can only be exercised by the tenant one year after signing the lease agreement. According to Maria João Carreiro, 80% of the procedures for the construction and renovation of the 272 housing units under the RRP for Terceira Island, corresponding to an overall investment of 25.5 million Euros, have already been completed or are currently underway. This has been achieved "notwithstanding the significant technical and procedural work that needed to be done, and the constraints in the construction market." The government official explained that 53% of these new housing solutions in Terceira will be made available on a lease with purchase option scheme.  "This Government has made a clear choice and is being consistent in implementing a new housing policy. It is fair, inclusive and appropriate not only to the serious housing shortages but also to social groups such as the middle class and young people, who today face greater difficulties in accessing housing," she stressed. As Maria João Carreiro stressed, "the Region could have more immediate responses if it had not been for the disinvestment of previous governments in housing construction and renovation, which led to shortages in the public housing stock." The visit to the São Brás housing development was attended by, among others, the Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira, members of the Azores Legislative Assembly, Nídia Inácio and Paulo Chaves, and the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão.