José Manuel Bolieiro defends Azores as “Region of the future” and demands autonomy with resources and vision - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today, at the Formal Session Celebrating the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, held at the Ramo Grande Auditorium, in Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, the need to reposition the Azores as a strategic asset for Portugal and the European Union, strengthening the political autonomy and, particularly, the financial autonomy of the Region.

Before the representatives of national and regional sovereign bodies, mayors, institutional leaders, active members of society and citizens, the head of the Azorean Government emphasised that "political autonomy is not a finishing line but a continuous process of development, responsibility and commitment." He highlighted the democratic path that began with the April Revolution and the establishment of self-governing bodies in 1976.

Evoking the constituent Members of Parliament elected by the Azores in 1975, such as Mota Amaral and Jaime Gama, José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that it was with the intervention of these elected representatives that "the constitutional transformation of Portugal, the Azores and Madeira began." He emphasised that autonomy is built on the identity of the Azorean people and that "celebrating Region Day is a celebration of the strength of political autonomy, the determination of a people, and the path that has been forged through identity, resilience, and ambition."

The President of the Government highlighted the social and economic progress achieved in recent decades: the eradication of illiteracy, widespread access to education and health care across all islands, the construction of a regional health system, and the modernisation of economic sectors while respecting the landscape and culture.

"Even with ongoing limitations and constraints, we are a Region aware of its strength and prepared for global challenges," he said.

Among these challenges, he mentioned climate, digital and energy transitions, and defended that the Azores should position themselves as a "Region of opportunities" in the European and Atlantic context, further emphasising the archipelago's geostrategic role.

"The Azores Sea represents 56% of the country's sea. This must be considered in our strategies for cohesive and collective development, for the entire Portuguese territory and the Portuguese people," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also called the attention of the new National Government to the urgent need to review the Finance Act of the Autonomous Regions, stressing that "the latest revisions, which are on a downward trend, have weakened our financial autonomy, undermining the Azores' ability to grow with stability."

Regarding this matter, the President of the Government stated that it "is a political matter and a question of justice and fairness," noting that "it is financial autonomy that allows us to respond effectively to the needs of the population."

The head of the Azorean Government reiterated that the Azores should be recognised as strategic partners.

"It is the country that has everything to win if it knows how to harness, with insight and practical action, the potential of the Azores. It is the European Union that has everything to win if it knows how to rely on its western Atlantic border to project its future with global relevance," stated the President of the Government.

Ending his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro called on everyone to get involved in the future of the Region: "We are all called to embrace this path of transformation. We are all capable of transforming every expectation into a vibrant reality. It is with everyone that we will make the future happen."

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government