President of the Regional Government stresses "proximity-based approach" with local authorities in "transparent and equitable" dialogue - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the "Parishes 2024" training session, held in Vila do Porto - where the Government's annual statutory visit is taking place - highlighting the importance of a "proximity-based approach" with local government.

José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the important services and civic role of local authorities as a fundamental "reference point" in the democratic system, during a session attended by local mayors from Santa Maria.  

The previous Regional Government, the first led by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition, created the Regional Directorate for Cooperation with Local Government, an initiative that, according to the President of the Government, paved the way for closer cooperation between the Regional Government and local authorities, sharing responsibilities and resources.

"Cooperation with local authorities is a strategic option taken by this Government for regional development," reiterated José Manuel Bolieiro.

The President of the Government acknowledged the financial challenges faced by local authorities. Nevertheless, he assured that the Regional Government is committed to boosting these resources whenever possible, "empowering local authorities."

The purpose of this dialogue, he emphasised, must be based on transparency and fairness between the Regional Government and Local Government.

The aim is to create a more autonomous local government, with more resources and capacity to carry out its crucial mission, promoting, whenever possible, the active democratic participation of citizens in the management of the affairs of Azorean parishes and municipalities.

The goals of the training include deepening knowledge about the Legal Framework for Procurement in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, set out in Regional Legislative Decree 27/2015/A, and disseminating the new Technical and Financial Cooperation Scheme between the Regional Government, Parishes and Parish Associations in the Azores. In addition, it intends to raise awareness among mayors of the need for a new revision of the Local Finance Act, which defines the financial arrangements and State responsibilities for financing local government.

The "Parishes 2024" training is an initiative organised by the Regional Directorate for Cooperation with Local Government and has been travelling throughout the archipelago, promoting dialogue and strengthening the technical capacities of local elected officials.