Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago
Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
António Ventura says Lisbon Food Affair is "space of opportunities" for Azorean companies
António Ventura says Lisbon Food Affair is "space of opportunities" for Azorean companies
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Regional Government meets payments to companies
Regional Government meets payments to companies
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, met today with the Board of the São Miguel Island Council, chaired by Jorge Rita, at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada to discuss the next steps regarding the future of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES). The head of the Azorean Government stated that the Regional Government has been working on a solution "to harness the potential of the capacity already in place," namely that created by the modular structure implemented after the May 2024 fire, integrating it into a more solid hospital response tailored to the island's needs. For José Manuel Bolieiro, the option involves a focused intervention within the current hospital perimeter, involving a thorough reorganisation of areas and services. "The goal is to ensure that São Miguel has a modern and functional hospital that is better prepared for the future, while also learning from recent experience," he said. The government official stated that the technical work currently underway shows a significant improvement in the outpatient component of the future hospital, aligned with more current care models. The functional plans under review also provide for the expansion of areas such as surgery, inpatient care, emergency care and intensive care, ensuring better operating conditions and clinical response. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that the modular structure will continue to play an important role during the HDES intervention phases, supporting care activities and ensuring the continuity of healthcare. "It is essential to ensure stability in the service provided to the population while a lasting solution is being developed," he stressed. The President of the São Miguel Island Council, Jorge Rita, considered that the process should be conducted with caution, advocating a phased and financially sustainable approach. He also stressed the importance of simultaneously reinforcing the island's primary healthcare network. The Government of the Azores will continue to monitor the process of defining the future of the HDES, which will be considered by the Council of the Government in due course. The definitive schedule for the presentation of the final project is yet to be established.
February 9, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, met today with the Board of the São Miguel Island Council, chaired by Jorge Rita, at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada to discuss the next steps regarding the future of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES). The head of the Azorean Government stated that the Regional Government has been working on a solution "to harness the potential of the capacity already in place," namely that created by the modular structure implemented after the May 2024 fire, integrating it into a more solid hospital response tailored to the island's needs. For José Manuel Bolieiro, the option involves a focused intervention within the current hospital perimeter, involving a thorough reorganisation of areas and services. "The goal is to ensure that São Miguel has a modern and functional hospital that is better prepared for the future, while also learning from recent experience," he said. The government official stated that the technical work currently underway shows a significant improvement in the outpatient component of the future hospital, aligned with more current care models. The functional plans under review also provide for the expansion of areas such as surgery, inpatient care, emergency care and intensive care, ensuring better operating conditions and clinical response. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that the modular structure will continue to play an important role during the HDES intervention phases, supporting care activities and ensuring the continuity of healthcare. "It is essential to ensure stability in the service provided to the population while a lasting solution is being developed," he stressed. The President of the São Miguel Island Council, Jorge Rita, considered that the process should be conducted with caution, advocating a phased and financially sustainable approach. He also stressed the importance of simultaneously reinforcing the island's primary healthcare network. The Government of the Azores will continue to monitor the process of defining the future of the HDES, which will be considered by the Council of the Government in due course. The definitive schedule for the presentation of the final project is yet to be established.
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, categorically refuted all statements made by Socialist Party MP Lubélio Mendonça regarding the operation of inter-island maritime and air transport, particularly to Corvo. The Regional Secretariat responsible for Transport reiterated that it is important to highlight that the Region has been repeatedly hit by severe weather conditions, with a direct and inevitable impact on port and air operations. Atmospheric instability, combined with particularly adverse sea conditions, has forced the suspension of several connections, a procedure that follows strict internationally recognised safety criteria. “Any attempt to interpret these technical constraints as operational failures is completely unfounded. Disregarding the weather impacts, affecting not only the Region but the entire national territory and the autonomous regions, only contributes to creating controversy, confusion and misperceptions about the functioning of the transport sector,” stressed the transport department. The Government of the Azores recalled that it has been making a huge effort, unprecedented in socialist governments, by chartering a vessel for Corvo (Thor B) and another for Flores (Margarethe) to ensure the regular supply of these two islands, weather permitting. As is public knowledge, Leixões, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, Praia da Vitória and all other ports in the Azores have been affected by rough seas and poor navigation conditions. The statements made by MP Lubélio Mendonça, who is exploiting the suffering of people who are not receiving their essential supplies due to severe weather conditions, particularly rough sea conditions, for political gain, are considered "unacceptable and pure demagoguery." The same government department also reported that the vessel Thor B is scheduled to depart from Horta tomorrow, bound for Corvo, where it is expected to unload cargo on Wednesday. If it is not possible to carry out the operation, the Government of the Azores is considering alternative means of supplying the smallest island of the archipelago, resorting, as was the case last winter, to the support of the Portuguese Air Force. It should also be noted that, during socialist governance, the island of Corvo had no maritime supply for 50 consecutive days.
February 9, 2026 Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, categorically refuted all statements made by Socialist Party MP Lubélio Mendonça regarding the operation of inter-island maritime and air transport, particularly to Corvo. The Regional Secretariat responsible for Transport reiterated that it is important to highlight that the Region has been repeatedly hit by severe weather conditions, with a direct and inevitable impact on port and air operations. Atmospheric instability, combined with particularly adverse sea conditions, has forced the suspension of several connections, a procedure that follows strict internationally recognised safety criteria. “Any attempt to interpret these technical constraints as operational failures is completely unfounded. Disregarding the weather impacts, affecting not only the Region but the entire national territory and the autonomous regions, only contributes to creating controversy, confusion and misperceptions about the functioning of the transport sector,” stressed the transport department. The Government of the Azores recalled that it has been making a huge effort, unprecedented in socialist governments, by chartering a vessel for Corvo (Thor B) and another for Flores (Margarethe) to ensure the regular supply of these two islands, weather permitting. As is public knowledge, Leixões, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, Praia da Vitória and all other ports in the Azores have been affected by rough seas and poor navigation conditions. The statements made by MP Lubélio Mendonça, who is exploiting the suffering of people who are not receiving their essential supplies due to severe weather conditions, particularly rough sea conditions, for political gain, are considered "unacceptable and pure demagoguery." The same government department also reported that the vessel Thor B is scheduled to depart from Horta tomorrow, bound for Corvo, where it is expected to unload cargo on Wednesday. If it is not possible to carry out the operation, the Government of the Azores is considering alternative means of supplying the smallest island of the archipelago, resorting, as was the case last winter, to the support of the Portuguese Air Force. It should also be noted that, during socialist governance, the island of Corvo had no maritime supply for 50 consecutive days.
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 António Ventura says Lisbon Food Affair is "space of opportunities" for Azorean companies The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, attended the opening of Lisbon Food Affair today, which runs until Wednesday and features 20 Azorean companies, highlighting the "opportunity" presented by this event. "It is a space for networking and dialogue. All of this can represent commercial value for our products, which are prized, above all, for their excellence and authenticity," stated the government official. The Lisbon Food Affair is an exclusively professional trade fair for the Portuguese agrifood sector, bringing together food and beverage manufacturers and distributors, as well as equipment, service and technology companies serving the distribution and Horeca channel, both nationally and internationally. "There are 20 companies from the agrifood sector here looking for new business partners," continued António Ventura, who highlighted the role of the Azores Brand, now in its 11th year, in consolidating multiple businesses. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, the Azores praise the various "long-term contracts" established by several Azorean companies over the years at events such as Lisbon Food Affair. In this regard, he acknowledged that the vast majority of products, due to small or medium production, are distinguished "by quality" rather than quantity - the main exception being the dairy sector. “We have unique products that evoke a very specific image. Consumers also seek sensations and authenticity when looking for products in these sectors,” stated the government official, who also praised the recent progress in areas such as transport between the Azores and Mainland Portugal or international markets. The presence of Azorean companies at this event represents a strategic opportunity to meet buyers from various markets, thus contributing to the consolidation of their operations and opening up new possibilities for commercial expansion. The Autonomous Region of the Azores has been participating in the fair since 2024, with a presence in the Azores Brand space, the largest at the event. Companies have highlighted the importance of the numerous meetings held in the Hosted Buyers space, which have generated business opportunities and bolstered the internationalisation process of Azores Brand-certified products. In the 2026 edition, the following companies and their respective brands will be featured at the Azores Brand stand: AgroMarienseCoop CRL, Azores Farm, Azores Jerky, AzorGhee, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Chá Gorreana, Insulac, SA, Lactaçores UCRL, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, MPD - Bensaude Distribuição, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sociedade Corretora and Yoçor. It should be noted that Azorean products were awarded the LFA Innovation prize in 2024 and 2025 for the Bananika and Bananika Chips innovations, developed by the Terceira-based company Loop Pursuit, reinforcing national and international recognition of the quality and creativity of the Azorean agrifood sector.
February 9, 2026 António Ventura says Lisbon Food Affair is "space of opportunities" for Azorean companies The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, attended the opening of Lisbon Food Affair today, which runs until Wednesday and features 20 Azorean companies, highlighting the "opportunity" presented by this event. "It is a space for networking and dialogue. All of this can represent commercial value for our products, which are prized, above all, for their excellence and authenticity," stated the government official. The Lisbon Food Affair is an exclusively professional trade fair for the Portuguese agrifood sector, bringing together food and beverage manufacturers and distributors, as well as equipment, service and technology companies serving the distribution and Horeca channel, both nationally and internationally. "There are 20 companies from the agrifood sector here looking for new business partners," continued António Ventura, who highlighted the role of the Azores Brand, now in its 11th year, in consolidating multiple businesses. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, the Azores praise the various "long-term contracts" established by several Azorean companies over the years at events such as Lisbon Food Affair. In this regard, he acknowledged that the vast majority of products, due to small or medium production, are distinguished "by quality" rather than quantity - the main exception being the dairy sector. “We have unique products that evoke a very specific image. Consumers also seek sensations and authenticity when looking for products in these sectors,” stated the government official, who also praised the recent progress in areas such as transport between the Azores and Mainland Portugal or international markets. The presence of Azorean companies at this event represents a strategic opportunity to meet buyers from various markets, thus contributing to the consolidation of their operations and opening up new possibilities for commercial expansion. The Autonomous Region of the Azores has been participating in the fair since 2024, with a presence in the Azores Brand space, the largest at the event. Companies have highlighted the importance of the numerous meetings held in the Hosted Buyers space, which have generated business opportunities and bolstered the internationalisation process of Azores Brand-certified products. In the 2026 edition, the following companies and their respective brands will be featured at the Azores Brand stand: AgroMarienseCoop CRL, Azores Farm, Azores Jerky, AzorGhee, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Chá Gorreana, Insulac, SA, Lactaçores UCRL, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, MPD - Bensaude Distribuição, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sociedade Corretora and Yoçor. It should be noted that Azorean products were awarded the LFA Innovation prize in 2024 and 2025 for the Bananika and Bananika Chips innovations, developed by the Terceira-based company Loop Pursuit, reinforcing national and international recognition of the quality and creativity of the Azorean agrifood sector.
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 Regional Government meets payments to companies The Regional Government, according to its commitment, made payments to companies by January 31 as part of measures to support investment and the operation of the private sector in the Region, with emphasis on support for the Employment Maintenance Programme (PME) and exports and the promotion of consumption of regional products in the catering sector. These instruments are considered strategic for the competitiveness and sustainability of the regional economy. This financial effort, which adds up to the incentives granted under the RRP-Azores and Construir 2030, reflects a firm political choice that the Regional Government wishes to maintain: guaranteeing predictability, confidence and stability for Azorean companies while recognising their key role in job creation, social cohesion and economic development in the Azores. As with the scheduling and payment of commitments to the agricultural sector, the Regional Government has once again kept its word, demonstrating consistency in its governance and respect for the regional economic agents. As such, the Government of the Azores reiterates its determination to pursue a policy of budget rigour, financial responsibility, transparency and proximity, placing the good management of public resources at the service of the Region's economic and social development.
February 9, 2026 Regional Government meets payments to companies The Regional Government, according to its commitment, made payments to companies by January 31 as part of measures to support investment and the operation of the private sector in the Region, with emphasis on support for the Employment Maintenance Programme (PME) and exports and the promotion of consumption of regional products in the catering sector. These instruments are considered strategic for the competitiveness and sustainability of the regional economy. This financial effort, which adds up to the incentives granted under the RRP-Azores and Construir 2030, reflects a firm political choice that the Regional Government wishes to maintain: guaranteeing predictability, confidence and stability for Azorean companies while recognising their key role in job creation, social cohesion and economic development in the Azores. As with the scheduling and payment of commitments to the agricultural sector, the Regional Government has once again kept its word, demonstrating consistency in its governance and respect for the regional economic agents. As such, the Government of the Azores reiterates its determination to pursue a policy of budget rigour, financial responsibility, transparency and proximity, placing the good management of public resources at the service of the Region's economic and social development.
Nota de Imprensa
February 7, 2026 Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the First National Meeting of Casas do Povo (Social Solidarity Institutions) held today in Ribeira Grande, highlighting the decisive role these institutions play in social cohesion and community support. In her speech, the government official praised the work carried out by institutions in the social sector every day, emphasising the Regional Government's commitment to supporting innovative projects that make a difference in the lives of the Azoreans, especially the most vulnerable. Mónica Seidi presented indicators demonstrating the growth and consolidation of the regional social network. The number of social responses remains stable overall, currently standing at 715. However, there has been a significant increase in installed capacity and the frequency of beneficiaries: there were 34,881 places available in 2024, 556 more than in 2020, and 25,848 beneficiaries using social responses, representing an increase of 1,474 people. In the area of childhood and youth, accounting for 45% of social responses, there was also a significant increase: eight more social responses, 946 more vacancies available and 1,792 more children benefiting from these services compared to 2020. "These figures demonstrate that we are reaching more Azoreans and supporting those who need it most," stressed the government official. For the Regional Secretary, this growth is also associated with a significant increase in public investment, as the amount invested in cooperation contracts for the operation of social responses rose from €96.3 million in 2020 to €130.7 million in 2024, representing a growth of 48.2%. The government official also highlighted the importance of Casas do Povo in the regional social sector, present in six of the nine islands of the Azores, representing 131 social responses and covering 4,170 beneficiaries in 2025. In 2025, investment in Casas do Povo, within the scope of Customer Value Cooperation Agreements and cooperation agreements in the area of inclusion, exceeded €10 million. “It is time to reflect, celebrate what went well and correct what can be improved. Networking, with the Institute for Social Security of the Azores as the driving force, should evolve with a view to optimising resources, sustainability and improving the quality of services provided," Mónica Seidi stated, calling for collective responsibility from all partners. She maintained that only through joint commitment will it be possible to improve the individual response to social sector beneficiaries in the Region.
February 7, 2026 Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the First National Meeting of Casas do Povo (Social Solidarity Institutions) held today in Ribeira Grande, highlighting the decisive role these institutions play in social cohesion and community support. In her speech, the government official praised the work carried out by institutions in the social sector every day, emphasising the Regional Government's commitment to supporting innovative projects that make a difference in the lives of the Azoreans, especially the most vulnerable. Mónica Seidi presented indicators demonstrating the growth and consolidation of the regional social network. The number of social responses remains stable overall, currently standing at 715. However, there has been a significant increase in installed capacity and the frequency of beneficiaries: there were 34,881 places available in 2024, 556 more than in 2020, and 25,848 beneficiaries using social responses, representing an increase of 1,474 people. In the area of childhood and youth, accounting for 45% of social responses, there was also a significant increase: eight more social responses, 946 more vacancies available and 1,792 more children benefiting from these services compared to 2020. "These figures demonstrate that we are reaching more Azoreans and supporting those who need it most," stressed the government official. For the Regional Secretary, this growth is also associated with a significant increase in public investment, as the amount invested in cooperation contracts for the operation of social responses rose from €96.3 million in 2020 to €130.7 million in 2024, representing a growth of 48.2%. The government official also highlighted the importance of Casas do Povo in the regional social sector, present in six of the nine islands of the Azores, representing 131 social responses and covering 4,170 beneficiaries in 2025. In 2025, investment in Casas do Povo, within the scope of Customer Value Cooperation Agreements and cooperation agreements in the area of inclusion, exceeded €10 million. “It is time to reflect, celebrate what went well and correct what can be improved. Networking, with the Institute for Social Security of the Azores as the driving force, should evolve with a view to optimising resources, sustainability and improving the quality of services provided," Mónica Seidi stated, calling for collective responsibility from all partners. She maintained that only through joint commitment will it be possible to improve the individual response to social sector beneficiaries in the Region.
