José Manuel Bolieiro commits to future of the Azores as a "Region of opportunities" based on growth and stability - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

In his final speech, delivered today in Horta at the end of the parliamentary debate on the 2025 Plan and Budget, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, reinforced the Azores' position as a “Region of opportunities” and emphasised the commitment to the harmonious development of all islands.

The head of the Azorean Government recalled that the Government he leads is now four years old, following 24 years of Socialist leadership, and highlighted the challenges faced during this period.

Among the milestones he pointed out, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the positive impact of the "Autonomy of Accountability," a concept he described as a new paradigm in Azorean governance.

"We have visible results: a successful economy, more skilled jobs, lower taxes and the ‘Azores Fare’ that has changed the mobility of the Azoreans and their knowledge of our islands," he emphasised.

The Plan and Budget for next year, which provides a public investment of 964 million Euros, was described as "solid and realistic" in its goals.

The goals include strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, supporting families and businesses, and consolidating technological infrastructures, such as renewing the fibre-optic submarine cable ring and consolidating the space sector in Santa Maria.

The President of the Government also highlighted the number of jobs created in 2023, which exceeded 6,000, representing a 5.2% increase in the employment rate, the highest in the country.

In addition, the rate of workers with contracts of indefinite duration reached 86%, a significant increase from the 82.6% recorded in 2021. According to the President of the Government, the Azorean economy is experiencing its longest consecutive growth period, with more than 41 months of expansion. The average salary of workers in the Azores has exceeded the national average, with a real increase of 5.9% in the last quarter of 2023.

José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated his commitment to an economy of opportunities, with emphasis on the blue economy, the green economy and the space economy. The Azores were honoured this year with the gold level as a Sustainable Tourism Destination, consolidating the archipelago as a global benchmark in responsible tourism, he recalled.

The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the maritime and spatial centrality of the Azores as "strategic assets for Portugal and the European Union,"  calling for the recognition of the role played by the Azorean youth.

"We want to train the most qualified generation ever in the Azores, promoting new development dynamics with their distinctive qualifications," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

Closing his speech with a message of ambition and confidence, José Manuel Bolieiro quoted Shakespeare to underline the spirit of determination: "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."

He concluded with the commitment to continue working to transform the Azores into a geography of opportunities: "We feel an enormous desire to continue. We are capable and we have proved it."

Related press release: Speach by the President of the Government