José Manuel Bolieiro praises democratic culture based on education - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening session of the International Conference Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the April 25 Revolution, which took place at the Aula Magna of the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada.

The event is taking place as part of the national celebrations of the Carnation Revolution and was attended by the Executive Commissioner of the Mission Structure for the Celebrations of the 50th anniversary, Dr Maria Inácia Rezola, associate researcher at Universidade Nova de Lisboa (New University of Lisbon).

The three-day conference brings together academics, researchers and political figures to debate the legacy and impact of the 1974 Revolution.

The Round Table on "Democratisation, Autonomy and Decentralisation" scheduled for next Friday will be the highlight of the event. It will focus on crucial matters in the contemporary history of Portugal and the Azores in particular.

The President of the Government stressed the fundamental role of democracy and education in the progress of the Azores and the country, mentioning the University of the Azores as an example of what democratisation has achieved.

"The University of the Azores is the offspring of Portuguese democracy and democratisation, reinforcing the political autonomy of the Azores and Madeira," said José Manuel Bolieiro.

"Democracy has a realisation that matters in our daily lives. It has influenced who we are and will influence who we plan to be," he added.

The leader of the Azorean Government emphasised that the institution, through scientific knowledge, has promoted a critical, creative and constructive capacity in the Region.

According to José Manuel Bolieiro, education plays a central role in shaping democratic culture and empowering autonomy.

"It is through education that we create a culture of democratic participation, knowledge in favour of our autonomy and freedom, and critical capacity. This is a decisive element of democracy," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also pointed out the value of civic participation, stating that "the main value of democracy lies not in saying but in sharing, getting involved and calling everyone to the common cause."

The President of the Government also advocated democratic governance that promotes the enlightened and active participation of all, "so that everyone can give their best in favour of the common good."

He took the opportunity to commend the organisation of the conference and emphasized its educational value, particularly for younger generations. Events like this are essential for discussing past achievements in democracy and autonomy, as well as for inspiring future progress.

"There is so much that has been done but also so much still to be done in terms of democracy in Portugal," he said, highlighting the importance of educating and informing young people about the functioning of democratic institutions and the importance of active citizenship in building a collective future.

José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to talk about the importance of peace and respect for the sovereignty of peoples, associating the absence of war with a democratic culture.

"War exists because of a lack of democratic culture and respect for each other's culture and sovereignty," he said, pointing out that the April 25 revolution was peaceful and should be remembered as an example of how peace can be achieved through democracy.

The opening session was also attended by the first President of the Government of the Azores, Mota Amaral, the President of the Regional Legislative Assembly, Luís Garcia, the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro do Nascimento Cabral, the Rector of the University of the Azores, Susana Mira Leal, and the Director of CHAM - Centre for the Humanities of the Azores, Susana Serpa Silva, who is also organising the event.