José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ autonomy and ambition on Region Day - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, spoke today at the Formal Celebration Session of the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, held at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, emphasising the need to establish the Azores as a model of sustainable development, underpinned by political autonomy and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the symbolic significance of the 50th anniversary of Political Autonomy, emphasising the pride in the identity of the Azorean people.

“Today, with great pride, we celebrate the Azores. We celebrate our Azorean identity,” he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the archipelago’s history, noting that its autonomy stemmed from the democracy secured by the April 25 Revolution and was enshrined in the 1976 Constitution.

For the head of the Azorean Government, this process has led to a profound transformation of life on the islands: “It is through their own political power that the Azores have transformed themselves over the past fifty years, making up for a huge backlog,” he emphasised.

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores also highlighted the progress made in key areas such as health, education and the economy, pointing to indicators that demonstrate this progress. As examples, he mentioned the significant increase in healthcare professionals, the extension of secondary education to all islands, and the growth in regional wealth.

“The Azorean people are creating wealth and jobs as never before, and this is how we fight historical poverty,” he said.

In a speech that balanced reflection on the past with a vision for the future, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of unity among the nine islands as the foundation for regional development.

“Unity is a transformative force that drives development across all the islands, leaving none behind,” he said, mentioning cohesion as a fundamental element for collective success.

The head of the Azorean Government also addressed the current international context, marked by instability and uncertainty, defending that the Azores should position themselves as a Region of stability and institutional responsibility.

“At a time when the international scene is marked by conflict and uncertainty, the Azores must establish themselves as a counterpoint,” he stated.

The sustainable development strategy was another key focus of his speech, with the President of the Regional Government highlighting the importance of natural resources and the commitment to climate, digital and energy transitions.

“The world needs examples and guiding lights. Today, the Azores are both an example and a guiding light,” he said, highlighting the archipelago’s role in protecting the ocean and leading the way on global sustainability targets.

Another key point was the geostrategic dimension of the Azores, which is becoming increasingly relevant in the Atlantic context. The President of the Government highlighted the Region’s role as a bridge between continents and as a strategic asset for Portugal, the European Union and NATO.

“We are increasingly becoming a hub for scientific research, technology and the knowledge of the future,” he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also marked the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union, noting that this membership has been crucial for the modernisation of the archipelago and the creation of new opportunities. Nevertheless, he emphasised the need to continue to capitalise on the Region’s status as an outermost condition, whilst balancing this with the Azores’ growing central role in the Atlantic.

The President of the Government of the Azores delivered a message of confidence and ambition, calling for collective mobilisation.

“We intend to combine the Region of needs that we are with the Region of opportunities that we want to be,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to a future built together with all generations.