The new mayor of Velas, Catarina Cabeceiras, argued that “families must be at the center of municipal policies,” emphasizing the importance of creating conditions that make it possible to “live with dignity” in the municipality and address “the problem of population retention.”

The mayor was speaking at the inauguration of the new municipal bodies of the Municipality and the Municipal Assembly of Velas, elected for the 2025-2029 term.

For Catarina Cabeceiras, “housing is another concern, requiring responses with integrated policies, including the creation of a business incubator to stimulate new business ideas.”

Among the main challenges for the new executive, she highlighted areas such as water supply, waste collection, support for institutions, and the promotion of youth, sports, and culture.

The Mayor of Velas also announced the creation of the Youth Participatory Budget, as well as social policies that promote the active participation of the elderly and support families.

On the financial front, Catarina Cabeceiras said she intends to remain “faithful to the principles of rigor and responsibility that have marked the management of Velas in recent years.”

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.