José Manuel Bolieiro stresses importance of "dialogue" and advocates "stability" to secure 2026 Budget - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, concluded this Tuesday the round of hearings with political parties and social partners at the Sant'Ana Palace on the preparation of the Draft Regional Plan and Budget for 2026.

Over the course of two days, the head of the Azorean Government, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, conducted meetings with the political forces holding parliamentary seats as well as a wide range of entities representing civil society, including unions, economic associations and social solidarity institutions.

The President of the Government expressed his satisfaction with the contributions received and highlighted the atmosphere of responsibility that marked the meetings.

"These hearings revealed democratic maturity and demonstrated that, above political and institutional differences, there is a shared commitment to the future of the Azores," he said.

The President of the Government emphasised that the Regional Plan and Budget for 2026 encompasses a strategic dimension, based on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, which ends on August 31, 2026, and the full use of funds from the Azores 2030 programme. Together, these instruments represent more than €600 million in investment, aimed at boosting the economy and creating better living conditions for the Azorean population.

While keeping budgetary discipline in mind, José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the Region will continue to meet the Maastricht criteria, ensuring a deficit of less than 3% and public debt below 60% of Gross Domestic Product.

"We will not make this budget a document of austerity. Rather, it will be a moment to consolidate the social rights already acquired and strengthen confidence in the Region's public finances," he stressed.

José Manuel Bolieiro also called for political responsibility.

He concluded: “Stability is essential if the Azores are not to waste this unique opportunity. We need a budget that allows us to carry out the planned investments and respond to the challenges facing our society.”

The Draft Regional Plan and Budget for 2026 will be analysed by the Council of the Government on September 29, before being submitted to the social partners and island councils.