José Manuel Bolieiro marks 50th anniversary of Constitution, highlighting its "legacy and evolution" - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended today’s session marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, which took place at the National Assembly in Lisbon.

The anniversary marked half a century of one of the fundamental pillars of Portuguese democracy, established following the Revolution of April 25, 1974, which brought an end to a period of dictatorship, with the Constitution heralding the dawn of a new era. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this moment represents an opportunity to look back on the path we have travelled and to reflect on the future.

“Today, we celebrate 50 years of a Constitution that ushered in a new era for Portugal, bringing an end to a catastrophic period of dictatorship and establishing democracy,” stressed the President of the Government. 

The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised the Constitution’s foundational role in enshrining citizens’ rights, freedoms and guarantees, as well as in “upholding” democratic institutions. In this context, he highlighted the importance of regional autonomy as a “fundamental achievement.”

“The Constitution enshrined a democratic rule of law and enabled the establishment of the political and administrative autonomy of the Azores and Madeira, which is a cause for celebration and pride,” he stated.

Whilst praising the fundamental principles of the Constitution, José Manuel Bolieiro defended the need to keep pace with societal developments, calling for the modernisation of the Portuguese democratic state.

“There are fundamental principles that must be preserved, but others must be modernised in an era of constant change,” he said.

The President of the Regional Government also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the members of the Constituent Assembly elected by the Azores: Mota Amaral, Jaime Gama, Natalino Viveiros, Germano da Silva Domingos, José Costa Bettencourt and Rúben Raposo, whose contributions were instrumental in enshrining autonomy in the Constitution.

José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that this gratitude will be renewed during the celebrations currently taking place in the Region, marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Autonomy of the Azores, as the greatest moment of the archipelago’s political and democratic establishment.

The Solemn Session featured speeches by the Sole Party Representatives, the Representatives of the Parliamentary Groups, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Republic. The former members of the Constituent Assembly also joined the event at a moment that celebrated the democratic journey that began with the 1976 Constitution.