In the city of Horta, the President of the Region’s Legislative Assembly, Luís Garcia, called on Azoreans to participate and take civic responsibility in defending and strengthening democratic values. “I have been calling on the Azoreans to take up various challenges. Today I am launching the challenge of greater civic participation to contribute to a better reputation for democratic and autonomous institutions”, said the President of the Legislative Assembly, adding that “only in this way will we be strengthening and consolidating democracy”.
In his speech at the launch of the book “50 Anos de Abril – Democracia & Autonomia” (50 Years of April – Democracy & Autonomy), which took place at the end of the afternoon the day before yesterday at the Parliament Museum, the President of the ALRAA highlighted the achievements and progress made since the Revolution of April 25, 1974, while acknowledging his concerns about “the discredit” of the population towards political institutions. “The truth is that our institutions are not living their best days. As I mentioned in my contribution to this book, the poor functioning of the justice system, the inappropriate behavior of many political agents and the levels of corruption weaken democracy and its institutions,” stressed President Luís Garcia, calling for a deep collective reflection on possible solutions that serve “the purpose of improving Democracy and Autonomy”.
On occasion, the President of the Azorean Parliament highlighted the celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of April 25 to pay tribute to “all those who courageously planned and carried out the Revolution,” which paved the way for the Autonomy of the Azores, arguing that it was “time to teach the younger generations what it was and what importance that dawn had – and has – for Portugal and all the Portuguese,” encouraging them “to cultivate and consolidate” the values of democracy and freedom. In his speech, the President of the Legislative Assembly thanked the former ALRAA deputy and organizer of the book, José Andrade, “who has been the editor of our collective memory for several years”, praising the work he has done “to record and consolidate our autonomous history”.
The book brings together testimonies about April 25 from the former and current presidents of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Regional Government since 1976.
The book “50 Anos de Abril – Democracia & Autonomia” (50 Years of April – Democracy & Autonomy), by José Andrade, was launched at 6pm yesterday at the Igreja do Colégio in Ponta Delgada, in the presence of the Presidents of the Government, João Bosco Mota Amaral, Carlos César, Vasco Cordeiro and José Manuel Bolieiro, leading to a debate on Democracy and Autonomy.

News article from Correio dos Açores, pictures from Letras Lavadas and Correio dos Açores.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.