You recently took office as mayor of Angra do Heroísmo, after serving as a councilor for four years. At the inauguration ceremony for the new municipal authorities, you said that it was “a time of continuity, but also of renewal.” What mark do you want to leave on the municipality? What new developments will your term bring?

This is indeed a time of continuity, because I represent a political project with a consolidated vision for the municipality, concrete results, and a course that makes sense to maintain. But it is also a time of renewal, of new ideas, and of a way of governing that is even closer and more dialogical. I want to leave a mark of people-centered governance, carried out with rigor, dialogue, and ambition. I want a modern and efficient council that listens, plans, and acts with a sense of responsibility. Serving Angra means caring for the community and creating conditions for every Angrense to live with dignity, security, and quality of life. I intend to continue the work that is well done, but introduce a new dynamic: greater proximity, greater participation, and greater attention to people. We want a City Council that is close to the people, that listens, and that is present. A city council cannot be closed in on itself. It has to be in the parishes, institutions, and neighborhoods. I intend to strengthen networking with the parish councils, because they are the first line of local power and have a deep understanding of the realities of their populations.

You achieved one of the PS’s most significant victories in the Angra do Heroísmo City Council, with 56.32% of the votes. How do you interpret this result?

This result represents a very clear vote of confidence from the people of Angra in the work carried out over the last few years and in the team I presented to the electorate. It is also a sign that people recognize that Angra has been on a solid path, with consistent work, projects, and policies, and that they want to continue on this path. The trust placed in us reinforces my commitment to everyone, regardless of their political views. I want to be the mayor of all Angra residents, working in a spirit of openness, dialogue, and cooperation, because that is the only way we will build a stronger and more cohesive municipality.

Despite having a comfortable majority in the city council and municipal assembly, you have expressed your willingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition parties. Do you believe it will be possible to reach a consensus?

Local government should be a space for dialogue and understanding. Political differences should not be an obstacle to building common solutions, especially when the interests of the municipality and its people are at stake. Having a comfortable majority allows us to govern with stability, while also remaining open to dialogue. Whenever there are projects that make sense for the municipality and budgetary availability, you will find me fully open to consensus. For this team, the people of Angra come first.

Among your priorities are the economy and housing, two fundamental areas for retaining the population in Angra do Heroísmo. Is it still possible to reverse the demographic decline in the municipality? How?

Yes, I believe it is possible to reverse this trend, but it requires concerted and persistent action. Demographic decline is not unique to Angra do Heroísmo; it is a regional, national, and European challenge. To address it, it is necessary to create opportunities, jobs, and housing to improve the quality of life. The priorities are clear and reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. Housing is one of the greatest social challenges today, and Angra is no different. Firstly, housing and population retention. We want young people and families to find the conditions to live, work, and build their future in Angra. We are implementing the Local Housing Strategy, which includes the rehabilitation of municipal properties, affordable rental programs, support for improving private housing, and specific measures to support youth housing. Another priority is strengthening the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities, particularly for young people. We will move forward with the expansion of the Industrial Park, launching a tender for the first 14 lots, and complete the infrastructure for the remaining lots, so that a tender can be launched. We will develop the Angra Business Center, in partnership with the Angra do Heroísmo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as expand Startup Angra. We want a diversified, sustainable economy that values what is ours and attracts new companies and projects to the municipality. And, of course, other areas are permanent in our action: education, culture, sports, and social action, which contribute to the community’s cohesion and well-being.

You aim to transform Angra do Heroísmo into a lively, modern city with active commerce. Among the city’s main problems are traffic and parking. How do you intend to solve them?

Angra do Heroísmo has a unique historic center and, at the same time, an urban fabric that requires a balance between mobility, heritage preservation, and the well-being of residents. We are working on an integrated urban mobility strategy that includes increasing parking spaces, improving public transportation, and creating safe pedestrian routes. We will introduce technological solutions that facilitate parking, such as real-time management applications. We want a lively city with dynamic commerce and attractive public spaces, such as the green space in Fanal, which will be completed shortly. In addition, we will strengthen urban entertainment, support for historic shops, and partnerships with the chamber of commerce, because local commerce is essential to the city’s pulse and economic vitality. This year, we will once again have Angra Prendas Mil and other activities, such as São Martinho and Christmas, to boost local commerce.

In addition to the areas already mentioned, you also listed promoting tourism, enhancing heritage, culture, sports, education, and social support. Still, you also stressed that it is necessary to keep “the accounts in order.” Which investments will be prioritized and which will have to be phased in to maintain this financial balance?

Financial sustainability is the basis of any responsible public management. Keeping the accounts in order is an obligation, but it is also a way to ensure that every euro invested translates into benefits for people. As I mentioned earlier, the priority will always be to invest in areas that promote human and territorial development: housing, education, social cohesion, and economic growth. Structural projects such as urban regeneration, the refurbishment of sports facilities, and the enhancement of historical heritage will continue to move forward, but with rigorous planning and well-defined phases. In culture and sports, we will continue to support our institutions and associations, which are fundamental pillars of Angra’s identity and the education of new generations. In tourism, we will strengthen the promotion of Angra as a cultural and sustainable destination, enhancing the World Heritage brand. It is important to remember that in the coming years, we will invest in the new Duque de Bragança Market, which will dignify our city, but also requires careful financial rigor. All of this will be done with balance and transparency, ensuring that the city council remains a solid, credible institution capable of fulfilling its commitments without mortgaging the future. In short, our mandate is based on three fundamental principles: responsibility, dialogue, and ambition. We want an Angra that values the past, lives the present intensely, and prepares for the future with confidence.

In Diário Insular-José Lourenço-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.