The Socialist Party is preparing a proposal for the social mobility subsidy for the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, which is expected to be submitted to the Assembly of the Republic in the near future, Socialist MP Francisco César told DI newspaper in Angra do Heroísmo.

The PS-Azores leader does not agree with the proposal currently advanced by the Lisbon government. Even less so, he told DI, does he agree with the draft implementing ordinance that introduces additional documentary requirements, including proof of no outstanding debts to Social Security and the Tax Authority.

In the deputy’s view, such requirements make little sense and “only serve to complicate the process,” and therefore the proposed ordinance should be withdrawn.

According to Francisco César, the socialist proposal now being developed is inspired by the Spanish model for air travel mobility applied to residents of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands—though it is not intended as a direct replica.

While the deputy has not yet disclosed specific details, DI has learned that the Spanish system provides residents with discounts of up to 75 percent on airfares, applied directly at the time of purchase, whether online or through travel agencies. Residency validation is automatic, carried out through a digital connection to Spain’s Ministry of Development.

For the socialist leader, the Azores urgently need an air transport model that is competitive enough to attract airlines while simultaneously protecting residents.

Francisco César told DI that he is confident the socialist mobility subsidy model to be presented shortly will be capable of bringing more airlines to the Azores.

Pitfalls

According to technical sources consulted by DI, the requirement that citizens submit certificates proving no outstanding debts to Social Security and the tax authorities is based on the assumption that the reimbursement constitutes state aid to the individual.

However, the sources argue that the mobility subsidy is not a form of state aid but rather a reimbursement for expenses already incurred—an important legal distinction that does not justify the obligation to present such documentation.

“When a public employee incurs expenses and is later reimbursed, are they required to submit certificates proving no outstanding debts?” the sources ask. “The answer is no,” they affirm, underscoring the lack of legal grounds for the proposed requirement.

In Diário Insular-José Lpourenço-director.