José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Mota Amaral's legacy in consolidating Azorean Autonomy - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada was the venue for the opening of the temporary exhibition "In the 50 years of April 25 - Mota Amaral," presided over by José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Government of the Azores.

This event falls within the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, highlighting the role of João Bosco Mota Amaral, considered one of the major driving forces behind the political and administrative autonomy of the Azores.

The exhibition revisits the historical context of the years of the Revolution and the first steps of Azorean Autonomy, highlighting Mota Amaral's personal and political career between 1969 and 1974. The collection of documents on display, from the Mota Amaral Archive, includes unpublished material such as correspondence, photographs, speeches and press cuttings, revealing lesser-known aspects of his work and the impact he had on the Region's political and social life.

José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the importance of the initiative, describing it as a celebration of "Azorean memory and identity" and a tribute to an "exemplary citizen, visionary politician and inspiring statesman."

For the head of the Regional Government, Azorean Autonomy owes a lot to Mota Amaral's determination and courage, enabling the Region to overcome historical barriers to development, achieve greater territorial and social cohesion, and establish as an example of progress.

“We honour and commemorate an inspiring politician and statesman, a citizen who transformed and participated,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

"The new generations of autonomists, inspired by him, will continue the political and constitutional consolidation of Autonomy," he added.

The exhibition is organised by the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive and scientifically coordinated by Luís Bastos, author of Mota Amaral's photobiography. It reiterates the commitment of memory institutions to promoting access to historical and cultural knowledge of the Azores. The collection on display preserves the collective memory and inspires new generations to continue developing the autonomic model and value the Region's cultural heritage.

With this initiative, organised by the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the organisation, highlighting the importance of keeping Mota Amaral's history and legacy alive.

According to José Manuel Bolieiro, it was thanks to Mota Amaral's "determination, courage and boldness" that the Azores overcame a backlog of development, promoting social and territorial cohesion between all parts of the region, making Autonomy a way for the Azores to open up to the world and building the Azores of today, "a geography of opportunities."

The exhibition is open to the public and is a unique opportunity to learn more about the career of one of the greatest protagonists in the contemporary history of the Azores and Portugal.