José Manuel Bolieiro stresses importance of youth in strengthening democracy - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the Atlantic Forum - Democracy 25.4, organised by the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ) in partnership with the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, via the Regional Directorate for Youth.

Held at the Aula Magna of the University of the Azores, the event was attended by more than a hundred young people from various parts of the country. Its focus was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of April 25, which during these days will serve as a motto for reflection on the significance of this date in terms of rights, duties, youth and participation.

In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro underlined the importance of the meeting as "motivating the aggregation and participation of young people" and also praised the role of the associations affiliated to the FNAJ.

The President of the Government highlighted the importance of Portuguese democracy and its association with the political autonomies of the Azores and Madeira, addressing the importance of decentralisation and respect for regional identity, which must coexist with the unity and cohesion of Portugal as a whole.

In his message to young people, he challenged them to question democracy in Portugal and actively contribute to strengthening it, pointing out that "democracy is not a given but rather requires constant vigilance and active participation."

He added: "Democracy is a political instrument of culture and mentality for peace."

The President of the Azorean Government demonstrated "full confidence in young people and the potential they represent for the future of our society."

José Manuel Bolieiro also declared his deep belief in young people and their ability to build a better future, through their crucial role in the ongoing development of democracy and building a fairer and more participatory society.

The forum will include various moments of reflection and discussion on the challenges and opportunities of youth organisations and young people's civic and democratic participation.

Over the the two-day event, various panels will address topics such as "Women and the April 25 Revolution," "New Forms of Youth Participation" and "Global Citizenship, New Narratives." The main goal was to debate what is being done - and what can still be done - in terms of youth participation in the Region, the country and Europe.

José Manuel Bolieiro also recalled that the Regional Government has been pursuing a "policy to strengthen youth associations" in the Region, which, in 2023, culminated in the implementation of a system to encourage the development of youth associations, which is more flexible, fair and financially favourable to youth associations.

There was also a continuous and sustained increase in funding for the activity plans of youth associations, which rose from 80 thousand Euros in 2019 to 130 thousand Euros in 2024, reflecting the new Support System for Youth Associations.

An investment of 150 thousand Euros is estimated for 2025, representing a 15% increase over the previous year. Between 2021 and the end of 2024, the global investment in support for youth associations will be around one million Euros.

In addition, there has been an increase in the number of legally recognised youth associations, from 14 in 2021 to 19 in 2024, representing a growth of 35%. All these measures reflect the Azorean Government's commitment to promoting greater civic participation and strengthening community development among young people in the Region, aligned with the values of democracy and active citizenship celebrated during the forum.

The event was also attended by Carla Mouro, Assistant Secretary of State for Equality, Maria João Carreiro, Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Marco Santos, President of FNAJ - National Federation of Youth Associations, and various representatives of municipalities and youth associations from across the country.