Speech delivered by the President of the Government - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada at the ceremony celebrating the 46th anniversary of the University of the Azores:

"Today is a special day at the University of the Azores.

We, the contemporaries of this celebration, the celebration of the forty-sixth anniversary of the University of the Azores, praise, with pride and dedication, the history of our University.

I firmly believe that I represent this general feeling, giving my voice to your/our thoughts and paying tribute, with heartfelt remembrance, to the founders of this higher education project in the Azores and to all those who accompanied them in this ambition of consolidating the University of the Azores in the national public higher education system.

It is the responsibility of the State.  It was an Azorean ambition from Azorean dreamers of renowned prestige and talent to turn a dream into reality.

 It was not a coincidence, nor was it an opportunity out of context.

On the one hand, the democratic revolution in Portugal on April 25, 1974, and the perception of education as the true leverage of social, cultural and economic development changed the paradigm of the State's responsibility from the very beginning, namely with the provision of decentralised public higher education throughout the country;

On the other hand, the Azorean soul and intellect, whose ambition were reinforced by the ongoing constitutional conquest of political autonomy for the Azores, have accentuated their courage, dedication and ability to accomplish this goal.  Firstly, it was the University Institute of the Azores and today it is our University of the Azores, under the distinct acronym UAç.    

It is already a true symbol of our identity and plural unity.  With its unparalleled tripartite structure, it brings together the geography and history of our archipelago.  

Therefore, as a citizen and Azorean, I express my great satisfaction for feeling the birth of our University as closely linked to Democracy in Portugal and to the Political Autonomy of the Azores.

With this reality, our University also became a pillar of civilisation in our most recent honourable collective history.

Our University of the Azores has an inspiring history and context, playing a key role in cultural, scientific, research and innovation achievements, which can and should encourage us to persevere and look forward to the future of this Academy.        

 A Universal University, as it is by definition, but also of the Azores as "high as the stars and free as the wind" in the words of Manuel Ferreira.

Magnificent Rector;

Ladies and gentlemen,

We trust in the promotion of investment in Education, up to higher education.

Equal opportunities must reach the highest level and, therefore, higher education.

It is a fact that recent times have been difficult and challenging.  We must be even stronger.

Stronger in our conviction and unity, and in favour of public higher education in the Azores.

In favour of our University of the Azores, with its tripartite structure and uniqueness!

The State cannot be exempt from any responsibility in this duty of democracy, civilisation, modernity and aspiration for the future.

The Autonomous Region of the Azores cannot ignore its shared responsibility in the present and future success of our University, higher education in the Azores, knowledge, academic culture, research, science and innovation, which we can produce here.   

Magnificent Rector;

The Government of the Azores is firmly committed to this understanding and in solidarity with the present and future of the University of the Azores.

It has not wavered, nor will it waver in its actions and claims.

For our part, this is obviously not the time for scrutiny or for a detailed analysis of the situation.

But, even so, it is appropriate to point out two or three references in terms of figures and actions.

The Government of the Azores has made the commitment to support the University of the Azores regarding the additional costs arising from its tripartite structure, with the transfer of half a million Euros in 2021, already made on time; 650 thousand Euros in 2022, already planned and duly allocated in the Regional Budget.  In 2023, 800 thousand Euros will be transferred to the University of the Azores.  We will honour our commitment. 

The Government of the Azores has recently made the commitment to support research centres, amounting to one million and sixty thousand Euros, during its term of office: 265 thousand Euros per year.

The Government of the Azores has also made the commitment to support the University of the Azores in the purchase of scientific equipment, representing an overall amount of one million, twenty-one thousand, eight hundred and two Euros.

Our commitments have been made and honoured. Payments have been made on time.

These are the most significant; however, we must not exclude from our desire and determination to do more all other situations requiring our support on a case-by-case basis as far as financial or logistical resources are concerned.

We have fulfilled and will continue to fulfil our commitments.

The National Government has failed to meet its obligations.   We will be united and active in this legitimate claim.

We are united to become stronger in the determination to fulfil and ensure compliance with our obligations!

We will be stronger in the hope of overcoming difficulties! 

We will be stronger in the hope of seizing the opportunities of science and new research and development technologies in the context of our reality.

We want the University of the Azores to be truly successful.

Its more consistent development will be good for the Azores and the Azoreans. For our collective future.

Congratulations to the University of the Azores. Best wishes!

Long live our Academy!

Thank you very much!"