José Manuel Bolieiro reinforces defence of Azores' interests with National Government - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, was received today in audience by the President of the National Assembly, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, and met on Thursday with the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, in a series of meetings marking the beginning of the new legislative term in the country. These meetings aim to promote understanding between this Autonomous Region and the State.

The meeting with Aguiar-Branco, which took place at the São Bento Palace, was institutional, but it was not merely a formality. The President of the Government took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of greater alignment between the Azores' self-government bodies and the national government bodies.

“There are legislative documents in progress that have a direct impact on the lives of the autonomous regions. It was important to make the President of the National Assembly aware of this context and the role that the Azores play in the territorial balance of the country,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

Among the topics highlighted was the revision of the Autonomous Regions Finance Law, which the Regional Government wants to see geared towards a fairer distribution of public resources, promoting balanced development across the regions. The proposal will be submitted to Lisbon later this week, kicking off negotiations with the National Government.

The so-called "law of the sea" was also debated, with the President of the Government pointing out that the Azores represent 56% of the sea under Portuguese jurisdiction and, as such, they should have a say in decisions with environmental, economic and strategic implications for this national asset.

"Portugal has the fifth largest sea area in the European Union, but more than half of it is the Azores Sea. It is in our interest, and in the national interest, that we be heard," he defended. 

Along the same lines, he emphasised the importance of moving forward with the project to set up a space science and technology centre on the island of Santa Maria, which will have a European focus and the capacity to attract knowledge, investment and talent.

The day before, the head of the Regional Government had met with Luís Montenegro in what was the first formal meeting between the two since the inauguration of the new National Government.

Several pending issues were on the table, ranging from support for agriculture and fisheries, including compensation for fishers, to the renovation of the Ponta Delgada hospital.

“We re-evaluated issues that had already been included in a previously submitted memorandum and reiterated the need for specific solutions within a context of institutional cooperation. The Prime Minister showed his full willingness to move forward with specific solutions,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

Another issue that deserved consideration was the proposal presented by José Manuel Bolieiro for a meeting of the Council of Ministers, scheduled for September, with the presence of the Presidents of the Regional Governments of the Azores and Madeira. This meeting is set to establish a clear schedule for solving outstanding issues between the Azores and the State, particularly those that can be accommodated in the State Budget for 2026.

As for the summit between the National Government and the Governments of the Azores and Madeira, which was postponed due to the early elections, it was agreed that it will be resumed after the upcoming local elections.