President of the Government recalls that parish mayors are those elected "closest to the people" - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today  the "Parishes 2024" training session in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, praising these mayors, the elected representatives who are "closest to the people."

"I was a mayor myself and I know the decisive role and value of the competent role of parishes," he pointed out, speaking at the training session taking place today as part of the second day of the Regional Government's statutory visit to the island of Graciosa.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, the Government intends to allocate the full amount of the two million Euros set out in this scheme to the parishes by 2024, underlining their ability to "materialise" investments.

In addition to this scheme, the Eco-Parishes programme will remain active, which this year will more than double the financial resources available compared to 2023, he said.

"Anyone who takes an honest look will see that this Government is a friend of local government in the Azores," always in a true "development strategy," he added.

This training aims to inform local mayors about the new Technical and Financial Cooperation Scheme between the Regional Public Administration, parishes and parish associations in the Azores, as well as to provide information about the Legal Framework for Public Contracts in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

This training initiative, which will reach all islands, is targeted at parish mayors and employees, with the aim of providing them with knowledge and the acquisition of skills so that they can better perform their duties.

This training covers the topics of public procurement, staff recruitment and the new cooperation scheme.

In addition to ensuring greater financial stability, this new legal scheme represents a further contribution to strengthening the capacity of Azorean parish councils to hire human resources or acquire services to ensure the proper performance of their duties. As such, it will enable parishes to be more empowered and, consequently, improve their performance at a local level.