Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights strength of democracy and commitment to cooperation after Sunday's local elections
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights strength of democracy and commitment to cooperation after Sunday's local elections
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro preside a assinatura da obra de 49,8 milhões de euros no Porto de São Roque do Pico
José Manuel Bolieiro preside a assinatura da obra de 49,8 milhões de euros no Porto de São Roque do Pico
Presidência do Governo Regional
Speech by the President of the Government
Speech by the President of the Government
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
SOS Cagarro campaign kicks off Wednesday, mobilising public and private entities
SOS Cagarro campaign kicks off Wednesday, mobilising public and private entities
Nota de Imprensa
October 14, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights strength of democracy and commitment to cooperation after Sunday's local elections The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, highlighted today, at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the importance of the recent local elections as "another moment" in Portuguese and Azorean democracy made "by the will of the People." "The People have decided. It has been decided. Long live Democracy and Local Government," the President said, thanking everyone who participated in the electoral process, from those who stood as candidates to those who ensured the elections ran smoothly. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised the importance of civic participation, stating that "democracy is built with the involvement of everyone." He also praised the Azoreans for the orderly and responsible manner in which they exercised their right to vote. Mentioning the results, he highlighted that the political project governing the Azores achieved “the highest number of municipalities and parish councils, thereby becoming the leader of AMRAA and the Regional Delegation of ANAFRE." Even so, he stressed that this “is a responsibility to continue working with everyone and for everyone.” José Manuel Bolieiro made it clear that the Regional Government "does not debate about who won and who lost," stressing that this analysis is up to the parties. He also reiterated his commitment to "work diligently and impartially with everyone so that we can do our best for our people and for the development of the Azores as a whole in each municipality and parish." The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the results achieved in various areas of governance: in health, he pointed out that " 35% more medical procedures were performed than in 2019," and the general practitioner coverage rate rose to 91%. In education, he highlighted the historic milestone of 2025, the year when "Azorean students surpassed the national average in national exams." In employment, he noted that the unemployment rate reached 3.9%, "the lowest since 2007," and the average income of workers has grown by 26% since 2019. The President of the Government also highlighted social progress, namely the reduction of more than 60% in the number of those dependent on social integration benefits and the increase in the Regional Pension Supplement, which "has more than doubled since 2020." "The Azores are better off. They are better off in terms of health, education, support for the elderly and children, housing, employment, the economy and household income," he said. José Manuel Bolieiro concluded by calling for continued collective effort and confidence in the future, emphasising that “our commitment must be to work every day to make the Azores a benchmark for quality of life, social justice and opportunities for young people.” The head of the Azorean Government congratulated the elected mayors, reiterating his commitment to “work together to meet the challenge of progress in the Azores, for everyone and with everyone, leaving no one behind. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
October 14, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights strength of democracy and commitment to cooperation after Sunday's local elections The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, highlighted today, at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the importance of the recent local elections as "another moment" in Portuguese and Azorean democracy made "by the will of the People." "The People have decided. It has been decided. Long live Democracy and Local Government," the President said, thanking everyone who participated in the electoral process, from those who stood as candidates to those who ensured the elections ran smoothly. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised the importance of civic participation, stating that "democracy is built with the involvement of everyone." He also praised the Azoreans for the orderly and responsible manner in which they exercised their right to vote. Mentioning the results, he highlighted that the political project governing the Azores achieved “the highest number of municipalities and parish councils, thereby becoming the leader of AMRAA and the Regional Delegation of ANAFRE." Even so, he stressed that this “is a responsibility to continue working with everyone and for everyone.” José Manuel Bolieiro made it clear that the Regional Government "does not debate about who won and who lost," stressing that this analysis is up to the parties. He also reiterated his commitment to "work diligently and impartially with everyone so that we can do our best for our people and for the development of the Azores as a whole in each municipality and parish." The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the results achieved in various areas of governance: in health, he pointed out that " 35% more medical procedures were performed than in 2019," and the general practitioner coverage rate rose to 91%. In education, he highlighted the historic milestone of 2025, the year when "Azorean students surpassed the national average in national exams." In employment, he noted that the unemployment rate reached 3.9%, "the lowest since 2007," and the average income of workers has grown by 26% since 2019. The President of the Government also highlighted social progress, namely the reduction of more than 60% in the number of those dependent on social integration benefits and the increase in the Regional Pension Supplement, which "has more than doubled since 2020." "The Azores are better off. They are better off in terms of health, education, support for the elderly and children, housing, employment, the economy and household income," he said. José Manuel Bolieiro concluded by calling for continued collective effort and confidence in the future, emphasising that “our commitment must be to work every day to make the Azores a benchmark for quality of life, social justice and opportunities for young people.” The head of the Azorean Government congratulated the elected mayors, reiterating his commitment to “work together to meet the challenge of progress in the Azores, for everyone and with everyone, leaving no one behind. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
Nota de Imprensa
October 14, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro preside a assinatura da obra de 49,8 milhões de euros no Porto de São Roque do Pico O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, presidiu hoje à cerimónia de assinatura do Auto de Consignação da Empreitada de Construção da Proteção Costeira da Baía do Porto de São Roque do Pico. A obra, promovida pela Portos dos Açores, representa um investimento global de cerca de 49,8 milhões de euros e tem como principal objetivo reforçar a segurança de pessoas e bens face à forte agitação marítima que afeta a costa norte da ilha do Pico. Adjudicada à empresa Mota-Engil, Engenharia e Construção, S.A., a empreitada tem um prazo de execução de 36 meses. O projeto prevê a construção de um molhe destacado de 395 metros, estruturado em enrocamento e blocos pré-fabricados, um muro cortina em betão com cota máxima de nove metros, dragagens, um cais de serviço e sinalização marítima. Trata-se de uma intervenção integrada na estratégia regional de proteção costeira, que pretende garantir a resiliência das infraestruturas e a salvaguarda das zonas urbanas adjacentes. José Manuel Bolieiro fez questão de sublinhar que o Governo dos Açores decidiu não promover este ato antes do recente sufrágio autárquico, destacando o sentido de responsabilidade institucional que orienta a ação governativa. “Não estamos a fazer deste momento um cumprimento de compromissos eleitorais, mas uma afirmação de visão estratégica. Investimos com espírito de missão e com inteligência nos nossos municípios, nas nossas ilhas, nos Açores”, afirmou. O líder do executivo açoriano lembrou que este investimento responde aos desafios colocados pelas alterações climáticas e à necessidade de reforçar a proteção das comunidades costeiras. “Os fenómenos extremos com que nos confrontamos exigem uma especial sensibilidade. Esta obra tem a ver com responsabilidade política e de geração, pois protege a população e valoriza o território”, acrescentou. Sublinhando o carácter simbólico e estratégico da intervenção, José Manuel Bolieiro afirmou ainda que “esta obra corresponde a um sonho antigo da população de São Roque do Pico, mas também a uma afirmação de responsabilidade intergeracional, de quem quer deixar futuro e segurança às próximas gerações”. O projeto foi desenvolvido pelo consórcio WW – Consultores de Hidráulica e Obras Marítimas, S.A. / MSW – Estudos e Projetos de Obras Marítimas, Lda., estando o procedimento para a fiscalização previsto para ser lançado ainda esta semana. Na cerimónia estiveram presentes o Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, Duarte Freitas, a Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, o Presidente da Câmara Municipal de São Roque do Pico, Luís Filipe Silva, o Presidente do Conselho de Ilha, Rui Matos, a Presidente da Portos dos Açores, Sancha Costa Santos, e o Presidente da Junta de Freguesia de São Roque do Pico, Luís Ávila, entre outras entidades locais e regionais.
October 14, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro preside a assinatura da obra de 49,8 milhões de euros no Porto de São Roque do Pico O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, presidiu hoje à cerimónia de assinatura do Auto de Consignação da Empreitada de Construção da Proteção Costeira da Baía do Porto de São Roque do Pico. A obra, promovida pela Portos dos Açores, representa um investimento global de cerca de 49,8 milhões de euros e tem como principal objetivo reforçar a segurança de pessoas e bens face à forte agitação marítima que afeta a costa norte da ilha do Pico. Adjudicada à empresa Mota-Engil, Engenharia e Construção, S.A., a empreitada tem um prazo de execução de 36 meses. O projeto prevê a construção de um molhe destacado de 395 metros, estruturado em enrocamento e blocos pré-fabricados, um muro cortina em betão com cota máxima de nove metros, dragagens, um cais de serviço e sinalização marítima. Trata-se de uma intervenção integrada na estratégia regional de proteção costeira, que pretende garantir a resiliência das infraestruturas e a salvaguarda das zonas urbanas adjacentes. José Manuel Bolieiro fez questão de sublinhar que o Governo dos Açores decidiu não promover este ato antes do recente sufrágio autárquico, destacando o sentido de responsabilidade institucional que orienta a ação governativa. “Não estamos a fazer deste momento um cumprimento de compromissos eleitorais, mas uma afirmação de visão estratégica. Investimos com espírito de missão e com inteligência nos nossos municípios, nas nossas ilhas, nos Açores”, afirmou. O líder do executivo açoriano lembrou que este investimento responde aos desafios colocados pelas alterações climáticas e à necessidade de reforçar a proteção das comunidades costeiras. “Os fenómenos extremos com que nos confrontamos exigem uma especial sensibilidade. Esta obra tem a ver com responsabilidade política e de geração, pois protege a população e valoriza o território”, acrescentou. Sublinhando o carácter simbólico e estratégico da intervenção, José Manuel Bolieiro afirmou ainda que “esta obra corresponde a um sonho antigo da população de São Roque do Pico, mas também a uma afirmação de responsabilidade intergeracional, de quem quer deixar futuro e segurança às próximas gerações”. O projeto foi desenvolvido pelo consórcio WW – Consultores de Hidráulica e Obras Marítimas, S.A. / MSW – Estudos e Projetos de Obras Marítimas, Lda., estando o procedimento para a fiscalização previsto para ser lançado ainda esta semana. Na cerimónia estiveram presentes o Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, Duarte Freitas, a Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, o Presidente da Câmara Municipal de São Roque do Pico, Luís Filipe Silva, o Presidente do Conselho de Ilha, Rui Matos, a Presidente da Portos dos Açores, Sancha Costa Santos, e o Presidente da Junta de Freguesia de São Roque do Pico, Luís Ávila, entre outras entidades locais e regionais.
Intervenção
October 14, 2025 Speech by the President of the Government Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Horta, at the beginning of the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores: “This Sunday, we emerged from yet another moment in our democracy, shaped by the will of the People. The people have decided. It has been decided. Long live Democracy and Local Government. As President of the Government, I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in these elections. To those who assisted in the electoral process and to the thousands of citizens who made up the lists, representing a wide variety of parties, coalitions, and citizens' movements. Political participation is a democratic right and duty. For this reason, I congratulate all those who left their comfort zone to stand up and defend their causes. To the Azoreans, who freely chose their candidates, we thank you for the orderly manner in which you participated. Thank you all in the name of democracy. We must strengthen this connection between elected officials and voters. Local elections are a good example of this, with greater mobilisation and personalisation of voting, based on identification and proximity. On October 12, the political project governing the Azores reached the highest number of municipalities and parish councils, thereby becoming the leader of AMRAA and the Regional Delegation of ANAFRE. We have noted this fact as a responsibility to continue working. We will continue working, nonetheless, with everyone. We separate the context of each electoral act, but we interpret the trend. I do not dispute the numbers behind each of the results, which are plural, in diverse electoral acts, with different geographical contexts, and varying levels of legitimacy. As a Government, we do not participate in the debate about who won and who lost. That is up to the parties. To those who, through their victory, have assumed the executive responsibility for parishes and municipalities, I congratulate them on the trust placed in them. I reassure them of the Government's institutional commitment to work diligently and impartially with everyone so that we can do our best for our people and for the development of the Azores as a whole in each municipality and parish. We guarantee that the financial cooperation we have established will continue to be strengthened. We have paid the municipalities the variable income tax debt and will now pay the so-called tourist VAT debt. For parishes, we are maintaining the regional financial cooperation fund, which this year approved €7.8 million for parish projects. I address you all with the confidence of someone who, remembering what our lives were like five years ago, now sees the Azores as a better place. Better than in 2020. I humbly acknowledge that the journey has been demanding in a difficult context. The results stem from the policies we have implemented and the committed and dynamic work of the Azoreans. We have made dialogue an instrument of transformation. Our goal in engaging in dialogue is not to delay, but to involve everyone in the decision-making process. The trust that the Azoreans have placed in us strengthens our belief that this is the path to follow. In health, we have taken firm steps to address the greatest concerns of the Azoreans. In 2024, 35% more medical procedures were performed than in 2019. We have promoted the careers of our health professionals with an investment of €30 million. The general practitioner coverage rate rose from 86% in 2020 to 91% in 2024. A total of 665 thousand medical consultations were carried out in Island Health Units, 86 thousand more than in 2019. Between 2019 and 2025, we went from 169 to 217 doctors and from 559 to 662 nurses in Island Health Units. Hospitals now have 24 more doctors than in 2019. There are never enough. However, there are more. We have more families with access to health care. In education, we have reached a historic milestone. In 2025, Azorean students surpassed the national average in national exams, including core subjects such as Portuguese and Mathematics. We have integrated more than 900 teachers into our schools since 2021, bringing stability to the profession and quality to teaching. And we have invested in the training of our young people. The number of new students in vocational schools grew by 22%. So, more young people are learning, and more young people are ready for the future. Employment was another priority. Between 2019 and 2024, the working population grew by 6,900 people. And the employed population grew by 9,100 workers. In the second quarter of 2025, the number of employees stood at 121,500, the highest ever. The unemployment rate was 3.9%, the lowest since 2007. The number of young people not in employment, education or training fell from 20.7% in 2020 to 11.5% in 2025. This raises hopes for the future. Azorean workers now see this progress reflected in their income. The average gross monthly base salary rose from €923 in December 2019 to €1,165 in December 2024. That is an increase of €242, representing a 26% rise. There was a purchasing power increase of +11% in real terms. We have fought poverty with hard work and results. The number of people dependent on social integration benefits fell from 14,230 in 2020 to 5,809 in 2025, a reduction of more than 60%. We have invested in our children. In 2019, only 590 had free child care, but by 2025, there were 4,686. This is an increase of almost 700%. We have supported the elderly with tangible measures. The Regional Pension Supplement, which had been frozen for years, increased from €54 in 2020 to €125 in 2025, more than double. Since 2021, €140 million has been paid out under this measure. COMPAMID has almost doubled its ceiling, which now stands at €600, increasing from 7,025 beneficiaries in 2019 to 26,000 in 2025. The "New Elderly" programme, an innovative measure, has so far covered 519 seniors in the Azores. We have not forgotten students. Since 2021, we have awarded 1,800 higher education scholarships, representing an investment of almost five million Euros. We have also helped 3,888 young people to pay their tuition fees. In terms of housing, in four years, we have completed 199 housing solutions – including new homes, renovations and allocated plots – and investments of around €50 million are being made under the RRP. As it is clear, this is much more than the 71 homes built between 2012 and 2020. The Azorean economy is now stronger. Private consumption grew, economic activity remained stable, and we achieved record levels in terms of tourism and mobility. The “Azores Fare” was a success that benefited thousands of Azoreans. In 2019, hospitality revenue amounted to €104.5 million. In 2024, it stood at €188.1 million, an increase of 80%. In 2019, 1.7 million people arrived. In 2024, we reached 2.3 million, an increase of 36%. Between 2019 and 2023, entrepreneurs created more stable companies, growing 9%. In terms of taxes, corporate income tax revenue is revealing: in 2019, it amounted to €41.9 million. In 2023, it totalled €54.8 million, an increase of 31%. Regarding agriculture, we have ended POSEI apportionments. Today, farmers receive 100% of the support to which they are entitled, representing an additional increase of €15 to €16 million per year. The production of meat and dairy products has been growing. Meat production grew by 11% between 2019 and 2024. Agricultural production exported outside the Region amounted to more than €431 million in 2024. In fisheries, there has been a sharp increase in the amount paid to fishers for their catch. We have gone from €33.9 million in 2019 to €39.8 million in 2024. In 2019, exports abroad reached 115.4 million Euros. In 2024, we reached €160 million, an increase of 39%. These results are real achievements that change lives. They shift paradigms. The Azores are better off. They are better off in terms of health, education, support for the elderly and children, housing, employment, the economy, purchasing power, workers' income and the growth of businesses. However, with each success achieved, the challenges become greater, as do people's expectations. We can only respond to all that has been done with the desire to do even more. We must be as ambitious today as we were in 2020, whether in government, parliament, local government, society, or the economy. We want the Azores to be a benchmark for quality of life, social justice, opportunities for young people, dignity for the elderly, and stability for families. Others envy us abroad. Here, we underline our difficulties. I prefer to highlight our potential. We are committed to working every day to ensure that the Azores achieve the levels of development that match our ambition and the greatness of our people. I would like to conclude by once again congratulating the elected mayors and wishing them a successful term of office, so that together we can meet the challenge of progress in the Azores, for everyone and with everyone, leaving no one behind.
October 14, 2025 Speech by the President of the Government Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Horta, at the beginning of the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores: “This Sunday, we emerged from yet another moment in our democracy, shaped by the will of the People. The people have decided. It has been decided. Long live Democracy and Local Government. As President of the Government, I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in these elections. To those who assisted in the electoral process and to the thousands of citizens who made up the lists, representing a wide variety of parties, coalitions, and citizens' movements. Political participation is a democratic right and duty. For this reason, I congratulate all those who left their comfort zone to stand up and defend their causes. To the Azoreans, who freely chose their candidates, we thank you for the orderly manner in which you participated. Thank you all in the name of democracy. We must strengthen this connection between elected officials and voters. Local elections are a good example of this, with greater mobilisation and personalisation of voting, based on identification and proximity. On October 12, the political project governing the Azores reached the highest number of municipalities and parish councils, thereby becoming the leader of AMRAA and the Regional Delegation of ANAFRE. We have noted this fact as a responsibility to continue working. We will continue working, nonetheless, with everyone. We separate the context of each electoral act, but we interpret the trend. I do not dispute the numbers behind each of the results, which are plural, in diverse electoral acts, with different geographical contexts, and varying levels of legitimacy. As a Government, we do not participate in the debate about who won and who lost. That is up to the parties. To those who, through their victory, have assumed the executive responsibility for parishes and municipalities, I congratulate them on the trust placed in them. I reassure them of the Government's institutional commitment to work diligently and impartially with everyone so that we can do our best for our people and for the development of the Azores as a whole in each municipality and parish. We guarantee that the financial cooperation we have established will continue to be strengthened. We have paid the municipalities the variable income tax debt and will now pay the so-called tourist VAT debt. For parishes, we are maintaining the regional financial cooperation fund, which this year approved €7.8 million for parish projects. I address you all with the confidence of someone who, remembering what our lives were like five years ago, now sees the Azores as a better place. Better than in 2020. I humbly acknowledge that the journey has been demanding in a difficult context. The results stem from the policies we have implemented and the committed and dynamic work of the Azoreans. We have made dialogue an instrument of transformation. Our goal in engaging in dialogue is not to delay, but to involve everyone in the decision-making process. The trust that the Azoreans have placed in us strengthens our belief that this is the path to follow. In health, we have taken firm steps to address the greatest concerns of the Azoreans. In 2024, 35% more medical procedures were performed than in 2019. We have promoted the careers of our health professionals with an investment of €30 million. The general practitioner coverage rate rose from 86% in 2020 to 91% in 2024. A total of 665 thousand medical consultations were carried out in Island Health Units, 86 thousand more than in 2019. Between 2019 and 2025, we went from 169 to 217 doctors and from 559 to 662 nurses in Island Health Units. Hospitals now have 24 more doctors than in 2019. There are never enough. However, there are more. We have more families with access to health care. In education, we have reached a historic milestone. In 2025, Azorean students surpassed the national average in national exams, including core subjects such as Portuguese and Mathematics. We have integrated more than 900 teachers into our schools since 2021, bringing stability to the profession and quality to teaching. And we have invested in the training of our young people. The number of new students in vocational schools grew by 22%. So, more young people are learning, and more young people are ready for the future. Employment was another priority. Between 2019 and 2024, the working population grew by 6,900 people. And the employed population grew by 9,100 workers. In the second quarter of 2025, the number of employees stood at 121,500, the highest ever. The unemployment rate was 3.9%, the lowest since 2007. The number of young people not in employment, education or training fell from 20.7% in 2020 to 11.5% in 2025. This raises hopes for the future. Azorean workers now see this progress reflected in their income. The average gross monthly base salary rose from €923 in December 2019 to €1,165 in December 2024. That is an increase of €242, representing a 26% rise. There was a purchasing power increase of +11% in real terms. We have fought poverty with hard work and results. The number of people dependent on social integration benefits fell from 14,230 in 2020 to 5,809 in 2025, a reduction of more than 60%. We have invested in our children. In 2019, only 590 had free child care, but by 2025, there were 4,686. This is an increase of almost 700%. We have supported the elderly with tangible measures. The Regional Pension Supplement, which had been frozen for years, increased from €54 in 2020 to €125 in 2025, more than double. Since 2021, €140 million has been paid out under this measure. COMPAMID has almost doubled its ceiling, which now stands at €600, increasing from 7,025 beneficiaries in 2019 to 26,000 in 2025. The "New Elderly" programme, an innovative measure, has so far covered 519 seniors in the Azores. We have not forgotten students. Since 2021, we have awarded 1,800 higher education scholarships, representing an investment of almost five million Euros. We have also helped 3,888 young people to pay their tuition fees. In terms of housing, in four years, we have completed 199 housing solutions – including new homes, renovations and allocated plots – and investments of around €50 million are being made under the RRP. As it is clear, this is much more than the 71 homes built between 2012 and 2020. The Azorean economy is now stronger. Private consumption grew, economic activity remained stable, and we achieved record levels in terms of tourism and mobility. The “Azores Fare” was a success that benefited thousands of Azoreans. In 2019, hospitality revenue amounted to €104.5 million. In 2024, it stood at €188.1 million, an increase of 80%. In 2019, 1.7 million people arrived. In 2024, we reached 2.3 million, an increase of 36%. Between 2019 and 2023, entrepreneurs created more stable companies, growing 9%. In terms of taxes, corporate income tax revenue is revealing: in 2019, it amounted to €41.9 million. In 2023, it totalled €54.8 million, an increase of 31%. Regarding agriculture, we have ended POSEI apportionments. Today, farmers receive 100% of the support to which they are entitled, representing an additional increase of €15 to €16 million per year. The production of meat and dairy products has been growing. Meat production grew by 11% between 2019 and 2024. Agricultural production exported outside the Region amounted to more than €431 million in 2024. In fisheries, there has been a sharp increase in the amount paid to fishers for their catch. We have gone from €33.9 million in 2019 to €39.8 million in 2024. In 2019, exports abroad reached 115.4 million Euros. In 2024, we reached €160 million, an increase of 39%. These results are real achievements that change lives. They shift paradigms. The Azores are better off. They are better off in terms of health, education, support for the elderly and children, housing, employment, the economy, purchasing power, workers' income and the growth of businesses. However, with each success achieved, the challenges become greater, as do people's expectations. We can only respond to all that has been done with the desire to do even more. We must be as ambitious today as we were in 2020, whether in government, parliament, local government, society, or the economy. We want the Azores to be a benchmark for quality of life, social justice, opportunities for young people, dignity for the elderly, and stability for families. Others envy us abroad. Here, we underline our difficulties. I prefer to highlight our potential. We are committed to working every day to ensure that the Azores achieve the levels of development that match our ambition and the greatness of our people. I would like to conclude by once again congratulating the elected mayors and wishing them a successful term of office, so that together we can meet the challenge of progress in the Azores, for everyone and with everyone, leaving no one behind.
Nota de Imprensa
October 13, 2025 SOS Cagarro campaign kicks off Wednesday, mobilising public and private entities The Regional Government will launch the 31st edition of the SOS Cagarro campaign on Wednesday, October 15, which will run until November 15. It will mobilise volunteers and engage public and private entities across all islands to save the juvenile Calonectris borealis (Cory's shearwater) birds — one of the archipelago's most emblematic seabirds. Coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies, with direct support from the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, the campaign arescue biis aimed at rescuing disoriented by light pollution, reducing the risk of being hit by cars and predators. The Azores are home to about 75% of the world's population of shearwaters, which reinforces their international responsibility for preserving this species, recognised by the OSPAR Commission under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Since 1995, tens of thousands of birds have been saved with the help of schools, associations, local authorities and citizens. In 2024, the campaign rescued 6,388 Cory's shearwater specimens, providing veterinary care to 31 and recording the loss of 273 individuals. In June this year, during the OSPAR Convention ministerial meeting in Vigo, a proposal presented by Portugal, led by the Azorean Government, was approved to consider the Cory's shearwater species as a new common bioindicator of floating plastic pollution in Region V (Wider Atlantic). This achievement places the Azores at the forefront of international marine litter monitoring, replacing the fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) as an indicator species in this area of the Atlantic, where it does not occur. During the campaign, everyone is invited to actively collaborate in rescuing birds affected by light pollution, participate in night patrols and awareness-raising activities promoted by the campaign coordinators on each island: the Environment and Climate Action Services. Rescued birds can be registered via the official website https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drpm/sos-cagarro directly using the QR code available on the rescue boxes and other promotional materials. The SOS Environment line – 800 292 800 – operates 24 hours a day, free of charge, to assist any citizen in rescuing birds. 📧 [email protected] 🌐 https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drpm/sos-cagarro 📞 SOS Ambiente – 800 292 800
October 13, 2025 SOS Cagarro campaign kicks off Wednesday, mobilising public and private entities The Regional Government will launch the 31st edition of the SOS Cagarro campaign on Wednesday, October 15, which will run until November 15. It will mobilise volunteers and engage public and private entities across all islands to save the juvenile Calonectris borealis (Cory's shearwater) birds — one of the archipelago's most emblematic seabirds. Coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies, with direct support from the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, the campaign arescue biis aimed at rescuing disoriented by light pollution, reducing the risk of being hit by cars and predators. The Azores are home to about 75% of the world's population of shearwaters, which reinforces their international responsibility for preserving this species, recognised by the OSPAR Commission under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Since 1995, tens of thousands of birds have been saved with the help of schools, associations, local authorities and citizens. In 2024, the campaign rescued 6,388 Cory's shearwater specimens, providing veterinary care to 31 and recording the loss of 273 individuals. In June this year, during the OSPAR Convention ministerial meeting in Vigo, a proposal presented by Portugal, led by the Azorean Government, was approved to consider the Cory's shearwater species as a new common bioindicator of floating plastic pollution in Region V (Wider Atlantic). This achievement places the Azores at the forefront of international marine litter monitoring, replacing the fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) as an indicator species in this area of the Atlantic, where it does not occur. During the campaign, everyone is invited to actively collaborate in rescuing birds affected by light pollution, participate in night patrols and awareness-raising activities promoted by the campaign coordinators on each island: the Environment and Climate Action Services. Rescued birds can be registered via the official website https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drpm/sos-cagarro directly using the QR code available on the rescue boxes and other promotional materials. The SOS Environment line – 800 292 800 – operates 24 hours a day, free of charge, to assist any citizen in rescuing birds. 📧 [email protected] 🌐 https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drpm/sos-cagarro 📞 SOS Ambiente – 800 292 800
Nota de Imprensa
October 13, 2025 Berta Cabral prioritises implementation of RRP in 2026 at Regional Council for Public Works meeting The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired the meeting of the Regional Council for Public Works (CROP) on Friday. This advisory body aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the Regional Government and entities involved in the construction and public works sector. At the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various institutions and professional associations, the current and future challenges facing the sector were analysed, particularly in the context of the simultaneous implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and the Azores 2030 European funds programme. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “2026 will be a very demanding year, with the parallel implementation of two EU funding plans, the RRP and the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, which will require a coordinated and responsible effort from all stakeholders.” Acknowledging the difficulties facing the sector, Berta Cabral noted that labour shortages are one of the main current challenges. Still, she reiterated her confidence in Azorean companies, as they "have responded competently and responsibly to the growing demands of ongoing public and private construction projects." Between 2021 and 2025, 789 public works contracts were signed in the Azores, amounting to €585.4 million. They include works contracts, projects and inspections, with a focus on maritime and port works. According to the data presented, the average variation between the contract award price and the final price of the works stands only at 4.31%, reflecting a significant improvement in the preparation and management of procedures. The government official also emphasised that "priority has been given to transparency, through a preference for public tenders, with direct awards only being used in specific and exceptional situations." Additionally, "the concentration of public works in a single government department has led to efficiency gains and standardisation of procedures." The meeting also discussed the future of public investment after the end of the RRP. In this regard, the Regional Secretary passed on a message of confidence, emphasising that "there is a solid pipeline of works for the coming years on several islands, including structural projects such as the new Lajes das Flores Port, the expansion of the Praia da Vitória Port and the protection of the São Roque do Pico coastline." Berta Cabral ended the session by praising the importance of the CROP meeting as "an essential space for sharing and collaboration to ensure the proper implementation of public investments and the sustainable progress of the Region." She challenged all the organisations and entities represented to "help improve processes and ensure the proper implementation of ongoing projects."
October 13, 2025 Berta Cabral prioritises implementation of RRP in 2026 at Regional Council for Public Works meeting The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired the meeting of the Regional Council for Public Works (CROP) on Friday. This advisory body aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the Regional Government and entities involved in the construction and public works sector. At the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various institutions and professional associations, the current and future challenges facing the sector were analysed, particularly in the context of the simultaneous implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and the Azores 2030 European funds programme. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “2026 will be a very demanding year, with the parallel implementation of two EU funding plans, the RRP and the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, which will require a coordinated and responsible effort from all stakeholders.” Acknowledging the difficulties facing the sector, Berta Cabral noted that labour shortages are one of the main current challenges. Still, she reiterated her confidence in Azorean companies, as they "have responded competently and responsibly to the growing demands of ongoing public and private construction projects." Between 2021 and 2025, 789 public works contracts were signed in the Azores, amounting to €585.4 million. They include works contracts, projects and inspections, with a focus on maritime and port works. According to the data presented, the average variation between the contract award price and the final price of the works stands only at 4.31%, reflecting a significant improvement in the preparation and management of procedures. The government official also emphasised that "priority has been given to transparency, through a preference for public tenders, with direct awards only being used in specific and exceptional situations." Additionally, "the concentration of public works in a single government department has led to efficiency gains and standardisation of procedures." The meeting also discussed the future of public investment after the end of the RRP. In this regard, the Regional Secretary passed on a message of confidence, emphasising that "there is a solid pipeline of works for the coming years on several islands, including structural projects such as the new Lajes das Flores Port, the expansion of the Praia da Vitória Port and the protection of the São Roque do Pico coastline." Berta Cabral ended the session by praising the importance of the CROP meeting as "an essential space for sharing and collaboration to ensure the proper implementation of public investments and the sustainable progress of the Region." She challenged all the organisations and entities represented to "help improve processes and ensure the proper implementation of ongoing projects."
