José Manuel Bolieiro highlights cooperation with parishes and presents Local Government digital platform - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening session of the “Parishes 2026” training course, which brought together mayors and parish council workers. The event was marked by the presentation of the New Local Government Portal, a digital platform created to simplify procedures and modernise the relations between the Regional Government and local authorities.

The head of the Azorean Government took the opportunity to greet the recently elected mayors, who are now taking office, and reminded them that the continuity of their term represents renewed confidence from the people and greater responsibility. Addressing those elected from the opposition, he called for rigorous oversight and contributions with practical proposals, with a critical spirit and a constructive approach, "as the people expect from those who also represent them."

The President of the Government also emphasised the decisive role of local authorities in regional governance, drawing on his experience as a mayor, and highlighted proximity as a hallmark of local government. He acknowledged the efforts of those who "do so much with so little" and thanked all those in local government who provide public services to communities daily.

The training, resumed by the Presidency of the Government of the Azores, will take place in the 19 municipalities and 155 parishes and will focus on two topics: the Legal Scheme on Technical and Financial Cooperation with parishes and parish associations and the New Local Government Portal.

Regarding cooperation, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the current model guarantees consistency, stability and predictability, based on objective and transparent criteria. In this context, he highlighted the work carried out by the Regional Directorate for Cooperation with Local Government, a structure created under the leadership of José Manuel Bolieiro. It is responsible for the implementation of support as well as technical and financial cooperation policies with parishes and municipalities, with a view to empowering local authorities and bolstering their response capacity.

In terms of results, the President of the Government mentioned that 233 applications were approved in 2024 and 2025, with support amounting to €8,665,257.32. For 2026, 343 applications with positive scores have been identified, with planned support of €8,668,808.12, and an estimated overall implementation of about €17.3 million in the current period. The President of the Government also declared his intention to open a new application period from February to March 31.

As for the New Local Government Portal, funded under the RRP with around €73,000 (plus VAT), José Manuel Bolieiro explained that the platform will operate as a single point of contact with parish councils, allowing applications to be submitted and tracked, reducing procedures and response times. In a subsequent phase, the system is expected to be extended to municipalities, including processes such as ARAAL contracts and matters concerning spatial planning. 

At the end, the President of the Government outlined the priorities for 2026, including preparing a revision of the Land Management Instruments scheme in the Azores, the revision of cooperation with municipalities, the revision of the Land Transport Law and the monitoring of processes such as Municipal Master Plans and municipal applications under the 2030 Operational Programme. He also stressed that, in the context of the revision of the Local Finance Act, the State must assume responsibilities towards local authorities, safeguarding the specific characteristics of the Region.

The training session took place in the Main Hall of the Horta City Council. It was attended by the Mayor of Horta, Carlos Ferreira, as well as representatives of government entities, parish mayors, other members of the executive bodies, presidents of parish assemblies and administrative workers from parish councils, demonstrating the significant participation and involvement of local authorities in this initiative.