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Nota de Imprensa
June 9, 2026
Nota à imprensa
Na sequência das declarações do Grupo Parlamentar do CHEGA/Açores sobre as habitações no Bairro da Terra Chã, em Angra do Heroísmo, na ilha Terceira, a Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego esclarece o seguinte: 1. A 29 de janeiro de 2025, através de Despacho da Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego foi autorizada a abertura do procedimento de contratação da “Empreitada da 2.ª fase da Reconversão Urbanística e Habitacional do Bairro da Terra Chã com a execução das infraestruturas da zona sul e construção de 48 habitações”, mediante concurso público com publicidade internacional, com o preço base de 7.838.247,66 € e um prazo de execução de 450 dias, no âmbito do PRR, e por isso dispensado de revisão do projeto; 2. Não obstante o valor por m2 deste concurso ser superior [1.508,7€/m2] ao valor pago pelo PRR e superior ao preço contratual de outras empreitadas executadas e em execução na mesma ilha e da mesma natureza, não foi recebida qualquer proposta por parte das empresas de construção civil, razão pela qual não foi possível executar esta empreitada conforme programada no Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência; 3. Considerando a ausência de respostas do setor da construção civil para a execução desta empreitada dentro do prazo fixado no PRR, o Governo dos Açores não deixou de procurar outra fonte de financiamento para a execução da mesma, tendo alcançado este desígnio em sede do PO Açores 2030; 4. Neste momento, decorre a revisão de projeto, a que se seguirá, ainda este ano, o lançamento do concurso público internacional para a empreitada de execução da obra; 5. É inequívoco o investimento deste Governo Regional na área da Habitação. No que à ilha Terceira diz respeito, regista-se um investimento sem precedentes no parque habitacional público, designadamente no reforço da oferta habitacional e na melhoria das condições de habitabilidade das famílias. Este investimento superior a 25 milhões de euros traduziu-se em 76 construções, onde se incluem as habitações da Urbanização de São Brás, por exemplo, e 192 reabilitações, onde se inclui, por exemplo, os bairros de Nossa Senhora de Fátima e Nascer do Sol; 6. Face ao exposto, a Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego refuta, de forma cabal, a acusação de que tenham sido desperdiçadas as verbas do PRR para investir no bairro da Terra Chã.

Nota de Imprensa
June 9, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro enaltece escolha dos Açores para celebrações do Dia de Portugal
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, recebeu hoje, no Palácio dos Capitães Generais, na ilha Terceira, o Presidente da República, António José Seguro, numa audiência de apresentação de cumprimentos, que antecedeu o início do programa oficial das comemorações do Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas. Após a audiência decorreu a cerimónia do hastear da Bandeira Nacional, dando assim início às celebrações que decorrem este ano nos Açores. Na audiência, José Manuel Bolieiro saudou a escolha da Região para acolher as comemorações de 2026, considerando que a decisão representa um reconhecimento da importância estratégica dos Açores no contexto nacional e atlântico. O líder do executivo açoriano sublinhou que a Região encara esta responsabilidade com entusiasmo e sentido de missão. “Estamos de braços abertos para acolher uma celebração de sucesso”, afirmou. José Manuel Bolieiro destacou ainda a posição geográfica singular dos Açores e a sua vocação de ligação entre continentes e culturas. “Os Açores são um território de paz, de cosmopolitismo e de ligação ao mundo”, referiu. Participou igualmente na audiência a Representante da República para a Região Autónoma dos Açores, Susana Goulart Costa. O Presidente da República, António José Seguro, assinou ainda o Livro de Honra da Presidência do Governo dos Açores, deixando registo da sua passagem pela Região no âmbito das comemorações oficiais do 10 de junho. As comemorações prosseguem esta quarta-feira em Angra do Heroísmo, com a cerimónia militar no Cerrado do Bailão, um dos momentos centrais do programa oficial do Dia de Portugal.

Nota de Imprensa
June 9, 2026
Mónica Seidi highlights historic role of Nossa Senhora do Livramento Brotherhood
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, took part in the celebrations marking the 173rd anniversary of the Nossa Senhora do Livramento Brotherhood, highlighting the history of a leading institution in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to improving social services for the population. The Nossa Senhora do Livramento Brotherhood, the oldest Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS) in the Azores, stands as an example of dedication, resilience and service to the community throughout its nearly two centuries of existence. The organisation currently operates through seven social services: “A Joaninha” Daycare Centre, “A Joaninha” Kindergarten, “Casa do Cambalim” Youth Home, the Temporary Children’s Shelter, the Girls’ Youth Home, “Casa da Canada dos Folhadais” Youth Home, and Rua Francisco do Canto Home. Across all these services, the institution currently cares for 127 service users. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Regional Government to ensure the sustainability of social sector institutions, acknowledging their indispensable role in promoting inclusion, social protection and equal opportunities. In this context, she highlighted that the funding allocated to the social services of the Nossa Senhora do Livramento Brotherhood, through Client Value Cooperation Contracts (CCVC), has risen from €1,801,588.96 in 2021 to €2,386,000.53 in 2026. This figure already includes the 2.4% update provided for in Framework Agreement no. 1/2026, representing an increase of €584,411.57. The Regional Secretary also highlighted that, between 2021 and 2026, the total funding allocated to the institution’s social services will amount to around €13 million, demonstrating the Regional Government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving services. The Regional Secretary congratulated the institution’s governing bodies, staff, volunteers and service users on the work carried out over the years. She reiterated the Regional Government’s willingness to continue working in close collaboration with private social solidarity institutions for the benefit of Azorean families and communities.

Nota de Imprensa
June 9, 2026
Young Azoreans deepen knowledge of Portuguese justice system as part of European Youth Week
More than three hundred young people living in the Azores participated in the event "How Does the Justice System Work in Portugal?", an initiative organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, in partnership with the Azores Judicial District. This activity involved 371 young students across the Region, aged between 15 and 25. It took place in May as part of the European Youth Week, held between April 24 and May 1, and focused on the themes of Solidarity, Equal Opportunities and Justice. The sessions took place in the courtrooms of the courts located on the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Flores. They were conducted in an interactive format by professionals from the justice sector, such as magistrates, prosecutors, lawyers and court officers. During the activities, young participants had the opportunity to learn about the organisation of the justice system in Portugal, understand the role of the courts and the main judicial actors, identify legal concepts in a simple and accessible manner, stimulate critical thinking and a sense of citizenship, as well as relate these topics to the specific reality of the Azores. Maria João Carreiro highlighted the significant participation of regional schools in yet another “public initiative to endow young people with the tools for knowledge and participation,” thereby strengthening the “connection between younger generations and the European values of democracy, justice and citizenship.” For the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, this learning experience on the functioning of the Portuguese justice system and the role of institutions in upholding the Rule of Law has also fostered a “deeper understanding of democratic institutions and the mechanisms that ensure the functioning of a free, fair and participatory society.” The government official also praised the “support and committed participation of the Azores Judicial District in this activity, which brings young people closer to institutions.” The European Youth Week is an event organised by the European Commission every two years. It promotes civic participation, active citizenship, dialogue with policy-makers and the empowerment of young people, encouraging access to credible information and democratic engagement.

Nota de Imprensa
June 8, 2026
Regional Government marks World Oceans Day and highlights sea as territory, identity and livelihood
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, marks World Oceans Day today, June 8, reiterating the archipelago’s strategic commitment to protecting and enhancing its greatest natural resource. The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, led by Mário Rui Pinho, pointed out that the vast sea surrounding the nine islands “is not merely a landscape.” The sea is intrinsically a territory, an identity, a source of livelihood and a responsibility – pillars that guide all government action in this sector. In this context, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies, has been working tirelessly to strengthen scientific knowledge, monitoring and the sustainable management of the marine environment. This work has been crucial to implementing effective public policies that protect the ocean and highlight its socio-economic and environmental importance for the future of the Region. The Regional Government celebrates this global event to remind everyone that the protection and preservation of this vast blue heritage requires a collective and cross-cutting effort. The defence of the sea begins with informed decisions, cooperation between organisations and the commitment of all citizens. Under the slogan “Azores, united by the ocean,” the Government reiterates its determination to keep the archipelago at the forefront of marine conservation and the sustainable blue economy, honouring the legacy of Azorean communities and ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem for forthcoming generations.

Nota de Imprensa
June 8, 2026
Regional Government boosts operational capacity of GNR with handover of nine off-road vehicles
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the public handover ceremony of nine off-road vehicles to the National Republican Guard (GNR), representing an investment of €379,590 financed under the Regional Land Transport Fund (FRTT). On the occasion, the President highlighted that this handover stems from the agreement established between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and GNR, which allows revenue from road traffic offences to be used to reinforce the operational resources of the security forces in the Region. “We are securing resources generated by the work carried out, namely by GNR, and using these funds to invest in operational equipment that serves the Azores,” José Manuel Bolieiro stated, emphasising that this support covers eight of the nine islands of the archipelago.      The head of the Azorean Government considered this investment to be in line with the spirit of “institutional cooperation” that marks Azorean autonomy, advocating a partnership of shared responsibility between the Region and the State. “The Autonomous Region also works alongside the State to help it fulfil its sovereign duties, in this case, in the area of security. We work together to better serve Portugal, through a cooperative partnership between the State's institutions and those of the Autonomous Region of the Azores,” he said. José Manuel Bolieiro also took the opportunity to express the Regional Government’s dissatisfaction regarding the failure to implement certain national measures in the Azores. In this context, he stressed that public policies must apply equally in the entire national territory. The head of the Government also highlighted the future challenges associated with the Region’s maritime dimension, recalling the strategic role of the Azores in national and European security. “Today, we are primarily concerned with land-based operational capabilities, but it is very challenging to consider the future and the Portuguese State’s responsibility for controlling its extensive maritime border. The Azores represent an important border for Portugal and the European Union, and it is essential that we have a proper understanding of the scale of this challenge, with GNR also playing a key role,” he said. The current funding model stems from Resolution no. 143/2011 of November 28, under which the Regional Government determined that 60% of the revenue from fines for breaches of the Highway Code, its regulations and supplementary legislation, occurring in the Autonomous Region of the Azores should be allocated to the Regional Land Transport Fund. Half of this amount is earmarked for investments in movable and immovable assets for the Public Security Police (PSP) and GNR, with a view to bolstering their operational capacity within the Region. Following the memorandum of understanding signed between FRTT and GNR in 2012, and in light of difficulties encountered by security forces in implementing certain investment projects, agreements were signed to transfer responsibility for investments totalling €589,736.74 to the Regional Fund. As of today, seven light passenger vehicles, two light goods vehicles and three off-road vehicles have already been handed over to GNR, representing an overall investment of €210,146.44. With the handover of the nine new vehicles today, the planned investment has been completed, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of GNR across the archipelago. The public ceremony took place at the premises of the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA) of the Ponta Delgada Territorial Unit on the island of São Miguel. It was attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, the Commander-General of the National Republican Guard, Lieutenant-General Rui Veloso, the Azores Territorial Commander of GNR, Colonel Cláudia Santos, the President of the Regional Land Transport Fund (IPRA), Marta Tavares, and Sergeant Rui Pimentel, representing the Commander of the Azores Border Guard Unit, Captain David Toste.

Nota de Imprensa
June 8, 2026
Mónica Seidi highlights expansion of Integrated Continuing Care Network by upgrading UCCI at D. Pedro V Home
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, chaired today the ceremony of laying the first stone for the expansion project of the Integrated Continuing Care Unit (UCCI) at the D. Pedro V Home in Praia da Vitória. This is a strategic investment to strengthen the Regional Integrated Continuing Care Network (RRCCI) and improve the response to the needs of the population of Terceira Island. “This is an essential investment for Terceira Island and the consolidation of the Regional Integrated Continuing Care Network, improving the response capacity and ensuring better care for those who need it,” she said. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the role of Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) as key partners of the Regional Health Service in this area, pointing out the D. Pedro V Home as a leading institution, recognised for the quality of its work and commitment to providing care to the population. The work that has now begun represents an investment of around €3 million. It will create an additional 23 vacancies at this facility, addressing a long-standing need within the RRCCI. The project involves a new floor on top of the west wing of the existing building, as well as a connecting passageway to the physiotherapy block, with a total expansion area of 628 square metres. The new unit will have ten double rooms, one isolation room and two palliative care rooms, designed with a particular focus on creating a more humanised environment and care provision. With an estimated completion period of 540 days, this project is part of the ongoing investments currently underway on Terceira Island, promoted by the Regional Government, which have already reached a total of €30 million. Currently, the D. Pedro V Home has 12 beds within the RRCCI network, divided between medium- and long-term care units. In 2025, the average occupancy rate reached 96%, with several periods of full occupancy. These figures highlight the growing demand for this type of care. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the results achieved by the institution in the quality indicators monitored by the RRCCI, noting that these reflect the professionalism, dedication and competence of the teams who support residents daily. “More than just building a structure, we are creating the conditions to upgrade services, improve care, and ensure greater dignity and quality of life for those who need this type of support,” concluded Mónica Seidi.

Nota de Imprensa
June 8, 2026
António Ventura highlights record-breaking €628 million for agriculture
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, announced that the agricultural and livestock sector in the Azores has achieved its highest productivity figure over the last three decades, reaching an all-time high of €628 million. The announcement was made at the opening session of the São Jorge Agricultural Fair and Livestock Exhibition, where the government official took the opportunity to emphasise that the Azorean Government has already taken institutional, diplomatic and political steps with the Portuguese Government to resolve the exclusion of Azorean producers from recent national support schemes for fertilisers and energy. For the Secretary for Agriculture, “the growth in Gross Value Added demonstrates the importance of the rural sector as a pillar of the Azores’ economic and social sustainability.” António Ventura emphasised that the island of São Jorge is going through a truly positive period, currently recording the highest milk prices paid to producers nationwide, as well as high figures in the beef market, reflecting the resilience and hard work of the farming community. Regarding the new support framework under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy, the Regional Secretary revealed that 34 applications have been submitted in São Jorge over the last five months, representing an estimated investment of €4.6 million in the dairy, meat, viticulture and horticulture sectors. In addition, the Government is moving forward with investments in water security and climate change resilience. Notable projects include the upgrading of the Pico do Pau road in Calheta, with a budget of €355,000; the launch of a public tender for the provision of water in São Sebastião, Topo, with a budget of €180,000; the commissioning of technical studies for the retention ponds in Bardinhos and Topo; and the ongoing construction of the new São Jorge Slaughterhouse. The opening session was attended by the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, members of the Regional Assembly, the president of the São Jorge Farmers’ Association, as well as the mayors of Calheta and Velas, regional directors and other local officials from the agricultural and forestry sectors.