José Manuel Bolieiro warns of disinformation "challenges” in the digital age at Azorean Law Days - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening of the 7th Azorean Law Days - "Freedom of Speech," which are taking place until Friday at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada.

The head of the Azorean Government praised the continuity and quality of this initiative, highlighting that "the Azorean Law Days are definitely a benchmark in the legal and political thought and reflection in the country, based in the Azores."

He also considered that the continued organisation of this forum "ensures consistency and this raises to prominence the good name of the Azores, a place of choice for holding these intellectual, knowledge-sharing and experience-sharing events."

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the timeliness and relevance of the theme chosen for this edition, freedom of speech, stressing that "there is no democracy without freedom of speech and freedom of the press."

However, the President of the Government warned of the challenges of the present time, marked by disinformation, hate speech and new forms of digital manipulation, where "freedom of speech is under stress" due to the proliferation of false content and the misuse of social networks and artificial intelligence.

The President of the Regional Government also made a historical reference to the role of the Azores in the major political transformations of the country. he recalled that "Portugal was shaped by constant reflection and critical action by Azoreans who marked the cycles of change," such as Hintze Ribeiro, Antero de Quental, Teófilo Braga and Natália Correia.

"It is historic, centuries old," he said.

During the conference, various national experts will present legal and academic reflections on the limits, responsibilities and tensions of freedom of speech in its various aspects.

The meeting is organised by the President of the District Court of the Azores, Associate Judge Pedro Soares de Albergaria, with the collaboration of Francisco Siqueira, José Freitas, Madalena Cordeiro Aguiar, Sónia Sousa Braga and Vanessa Silva.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, this event is also a clear sign of the vitality of Azorean democratic society.

"The credibility of information, communication literacy and the dignity of every citizen deserve protection. This seems obvious to us," he stressed.

He ended his speech with a calling: "Thank you for another successful Azorean Law Day. I urge the organisers to continue with these days, which are always held here in the Azores."

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government