José Manuel Bolieiro praises "joint reflection" on local government promoted by ANAFRE - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, praised the "joint reflection" promoted by the Azores Regional Office of the National Association of Parishes (ANAFRE) last Saturday, acknowledging that progress must be made in the financial system for local government.

"It is important to say what is fair and true: until now, the financial system has always been insufficient and unfair for the responsibilities currently assigned to local authorities, whether at a municipal or parish level," he said.

The President of the Government spoke at the closing session of the 9th Regional Meeting of Parish Mayors of the Azores, an event organised by the Azores Regional Office of ANAFRE.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, it is now important for "the entire country, and also the Azores," to be open to "the strengthening and recognition of democratic local power in Portugal" with a constitutional revision.

Accordingly, and with a view to a "fair distribution of national wealth," the President of the Government defended "a profound and supportive reform of the financial system for local government, including parishes."