“I will do everything I can to ensure that the state takes a sympathetic view of the Armed Forces. So that we can see this work, which must be the national government’s responsibility, namely financial compensation for the effort made by the Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force, in the evacuation process,” said José Manuel Bolieiro.

The president of the Azorean executive (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) was speaking on the sidelines of a visit to Ponta Delgada hospital after being questioned by journalists about the statements made by the commander of the Azores Air Zone in the Regional Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee.

The Azores Air Force commander denounced that the Azorean government has owed the Air Force around 8 million euros for medical evacuations since 2011.

António Moldão also considered that the Air Force has excessive resources for medical evacuations in the archipelago, which is detrimental to the regional airline SATA.

In reaction, Bolieiro highlighted the state’s responsibilities and reiterated that the current government of the Republic has shown a “more favorable openness to the demands” of the region.

“The state must also be co-responsible for health. Therefore, what is needed is for the Armed Forces to have – and I was one of those who took part in the Higher Council for National Defense – a strengthening of financial resources,” he declared.

The president of the regional executive also said he was “used to a legacy of difficulties,” alluding to previous PS regional governments, and said he was “available” to renegotiate the contract with the Air Force.

“I am available to find solutions, in a meeting of responsibilities between the state, the region and the Air Force, that do not neglect the expectations of funding and service provision,” he said, stressing that “health guidelines should prevail, not logistics”.

in Açoriano Oriental – Paula Gouveia, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures 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.