The parliamentary leader of the Socialist Party of the Azores, Andreia Cardoso, criticized the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition’s position in the Regional Legislative Assembly this Wednesday in Horta, accusing it of being hostage to Chega’s interests.
Andreia Cardoso was speaking as part of the discussion on a Draft Regional Legislative Decree aimed at amending the DLR that created the São Miguel Island Natural Park, also referring to a Chega proposal, approved by the coalition, which provides for the reintroduction of the pesticide glyphosate in public spaces in the Azores.
“The PS voted against lifting the ban on glyphosate in public spaces, just as it is now voting against giving in to very particular interests in the Port of Caloura,” she stressed.
Andreia Cardoso stressed that the proposal in question, presented by Chega, does not solve the real problems of fishing in the Azores but rather serves specific interests and political convenience, stating that the PS/Azores maintains a stance of coherence and responsibility, voting against proposals that compromise environmental protection and the sustainable management of resources, such as lifting the ban on fishing in particularly sensitive areas, such as Caloura.
“This is not about solving the problems of fishermen in the Azores, it’s about momentary concessions to secure votes and political support. This law does not solve the problems of fishing in Caloura, nor in the region in general,” he stressed.
“Why is this amendment necessary? We’re not talking about a ban on entering the Port of Caloura, which has always been allowed. What we’re talking about is fishing in a very specific area, where environmental protection is a priority,” she added.
The GPPS leader regretted that the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM Coalition prefers to follow a path of political compromise, accusing them of compromising the future of the Azores in exchange for budgetary and party conveniences.
“We said from the start that there were costs to this marriage of convenience and the costs are there for all to see. This is a serious step backwards, the result of the coalition’s submission to the interests of Chega, putting party priorities above the well-being and sustainability of the region,” he stressed.
“These decisions are only convenient for the partisan interests of the coalition and Chega, not for the Azoreans,” concluded Andreia Cardoso.


From GPPS/AÇORES/RÁDIOILHÉU

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.