José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "democratic maturity" and reiterates commitment to social dialogue in the Azores - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the closing ceremony of the Meeting of Economic and Social Councils – 50 Years of Azorean Autonomy, which took place at Arquipélago – Contemporary Arts Centre in Ribeira Grande, delivering a message emphasising the “importance of social dialogue” and consensus-building in the Region.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the symbolism of the moment, placing it in a particularly important year for the country. 

“2026 marks the anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, which established the democratic rule of law and consolidated the instruments of participation, social dialogue and the functioning of institutions,” he said.

We are also marking the 50th anniversary of the political autonomy of the Azores and Madeira. In this regard, José Manuel Bolieiro considered “a good reason to value autonomy as a tool for the decentralisation of the State,  the empowerment of island communities, and  the development of policies tailored to the specific characteristics of the islands.”

For the President of the Regional Government, this meeting was “timely, symbolic and conducive to social dialogue.” 

José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that he was the first secretary-general of the Azores Regional Council for Social Dialogue, emphasising his ongoing connection to this area. 

“I view social dialogue and the institutionalisation of consultation in the Azores with particular fondness. It was an important moment for strengthening representative institutions and establishing the autonomic society in its various dimensions,” he said.

The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the 2023–2028 Strategic Partnership Agreement – Income, Sustainability and Growth, signed between the Government of the Azores and social partners, as a milestone in the practice of social dialogue. 

“It was the first agreement of its kind in the Region and a truly strategic document, which has influenced public policy through legislative, regulatory and governmental mechanisms, but also through the dynamics of the private sector,” he emphasised.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, the results achieved demonstrate the value of collective commitment. “It is proof that it is worth investing in dialogue, negotiation and social consultation. It is through democratic humbleness that common solutions are found and intransigent positions are overcome,” he stated. The agreement would be revised in 2024, allowing new partners to join and broadening its scope.

The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the political understanding reached with the opposition regarding the appointment of an independent figure to the Economic and Social Council of the Azores. In this regard, he emphasised that this was “a demonstration of democratic maturity that dignifies social partners and institutions.”

Reflecting on the present, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his “great satisfaction” with the level of development achieved. 

“Today, we have a Region with greater political maturity, more consistent dialogue, and a system of social consultation that works and delivers results,” he said, highlighting the role of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores and the Standing Committee on Social Consultation.

José Manuel Bolieiro made a commitment for the future, pointing out the need to strengthen this model. 

“We want to build, as we move forward, legislative solutions that further enhance dialogue and social consultation in the Azores,” he said, defending the need to endow these structures with better conditions. 

“It is essential that they have the means to involve civil society in reflecting on the present and future of our economy, our environment, our culture and our identity, valuing, above all, participatory democracy,” he concluded.

The session was attended by the President of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores, Piedade Lalanda, the President of the Economic and Social Council of Portugal, Luís Antunes, and the President of the Economic and Social Council of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, António Abreu.