José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates support for Azorean IPSS and advocates for “recognition of regional specificities” - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received the President of the Regional Union of Private Social Solidarity Institutions of the Azores (URIPSSA), João Canedo Reis, accompanied by other members of the board, in a meeting that was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi.

The meeting focused on the financial situation of the regional Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), following the National Government's failure to transfer funds that had been allocated to institutions in Mainland Portugal under the Social Security system.

The head of the Azorean Government stressed the importance of dialogue and institutional cooperation, noting that "the Government of the Azores maintains a close and ongoing working partnership with the IPSS, acknowledging the fundamental role they play in social responses in the Azores."

The President of the Government also warned of the need to ensure clarity and understanding in existing cooperation agreements, considering that "it is essential that cooperation models take into account the specific characteristics of the Region, providing stability and predictability for institutions."

José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the primary outcome of the meeting was the continuation of the joint work between the Azorean Government and URIPSSA, both in terms of assessing the current situation and preparing future solutions.

The President of the Government recalled the efforts undertaken by the Regional Government, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, and the board of the Institute for Social Security of the Azores, conveying his willingness to revise the Azores Social Welfare Code, a matter that falls within the Region's remit.

Concluding, José Manuel Bolieiro stated that the Azorean Government will remain committed to “deepening institutional dialogue and providing a coherent basis for the specific characteristics of the Region in cooperation processes with the National Government."