The extraordinary plenary session of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores (CESA) met recently and approved the proposed amendment to Regional Legislative Decree No. 8/2018/A. The proposal provides that CESA will now report administratively and financially to the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, rather than to the Regional Government.

In response to statements made by CESA President Piedade Lalanda to Antena 1/Açores, Legislative Assembly President Luís Garcia told Correio dos Açores that “at this stage, my opinion is not particularly relevant, because it is only one among 57 deputies.”

“This is a proposal that will have to be formally presented to the Assembly and, if so, it will be up to me to promote the desired change, should it be approved,” he added.

Asked about the possibility of the presidency of the Council becoming remunerated, as is the case in Madeira and at the national level, according to Piedade Lalanda on Antena 1/Açores, Luís Garcia said he did not yet have a position on the matter, “even less so than on the previous question.”

“Azores with a Future” warns of the demographic problem of the islands

As part of the “Azores with a Future” roadmap, an initiative of the Presidency of the Legislative Assembly that aims to bring the Parliament closer to the different islands and encourage dialogue and active participation by Azorean youth, Luís Garcia highlights the “very positive impact on young people” that the initiative has had.

“It allows us to draw attention to a major problem we face, the demographic problem, which is a cross-cutting challenge, drawing the attention of young people who are at a decisive stage in their education, particularly those attending secondary school and vocational education. We want them to understand that the Azores really need them: they need them to get qualified, but also, if they leave the region, to come back,” emphasizes the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA).

On the other hand, Luís Garcia believes that the roadmap has served to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve personal and professional fulfillment in the Azores: “There are many traditional professions that lack resources, but there are also new areas to explore. We have given a platform to young entrepreneurs who are creating wealth and jobs in the region, giving them the opportunity to share experiences with each other.”

The initiative has thus provided moments of reflection on the future of Azorean youth, both those who have already completed their education and those who are still studying, and on the role they can play in the development of the archipelago. “Our islands offer a wide range of opportunities, and it is important for young people to know that the conditions exist for them to settle here, take risks, and choose the Azores. We have a wealth of potential that can make the region a leader in several areas, including at the global level,” concludes Luís Garcia.

A democracy “solidly grounded”

When asked by Correio dos Açores about his political views on the current state of democracy in the Azores and the measures he considers necessary to make it healthier, more participatory, and less subject to certain popularity dynamics, Luís Garcia believes that democracy in the region is “solidly grounded.”

“We have already celebrated 50 years since April 25, and next year we will celebrate 50 years of our autonomy. It is a mature democracy, but like everything else, democracy is like a plant: it needs to be watered every day. And we are all the gardeners of that plant, citizens and politicians alike,” said the president of ALRAA.

Within the scope of his institutional and political functions, Luís Garcia highlights the effort he has made to strengthen democratic institutions, recalling that the Assembly itself is one of these fundamental institutions.

“This strengthening is achieved through greater proximity to citizens. That is what I have sought to promote: an increasingly close relationship with all the islands and, in particular, with young people, so that they feel represented in our Assembly.”

The president of ALRAA adds that strengthening the Assembly also means strengthening democracy:

“This link between democratic institutions and citizens is essential for democracy to prevail and for all of us to contribute to its consolidation.”

Regarding the presence of the Azores in Europe, the Presidency of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores yesterday marked the Day of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE), a date which, according to Luís Garcia, “celebrates not only the founding of this important organization, but also the commitment to cooperation, solidarity, and sharing among the regions of Europe.”

“Over the last few years, the Azores Parliament has sought to strengthen its ties with CALRE by actively participating in its initiatives and contributing to dialogue and the development of common solutions,” Garcia emphasized.

The press release sent to the editorial office also highlights the “concrete example of this union and cooperation,” reflected in the recent participation of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores in the joint manifesto on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, proposed by the European Commission.

“This step demonstrates the collective commitment of the regions that make up CALRE to contribute to a more cohesive, supportive, and balanced European future,” the document reads.

José Henrique Andrade is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.