The new Representative of the Republic in the Azores, Susana Goulart Costa, says she will remain attentive to the possibility of a political crisis in the Autonomous Region, while emphasizing that any intervention from her office can only occur “through concrete facts and actions” established within the constitutional framework.

“When there are clear manifestations — a motion of censure that is approved, a motion of confidence that fails, or the resignation of the President of the Government — only then, within those factual circumstances, can the Representation of the Republic act,” she said in an interview with RTP Açores conducted by journalist Armando Mendes.

Speaking amid ongoing political speculation surrounding the future of the regional governing coalition, Goulart Costa defended institutional stability and argued that, until formal political decisions emerge, trust in democratic institutions remains essential.

“As long as there are no concrete decisions, we must believe in the institutions and believe that the Government and the Assembly are capable of articulating solutions so that the issues fundamental to the Azores can be resolved peacefully,” she stated.

She added that political disagreement is a natural part of democratic maturation in the region.

“Within democracy, criticism, contestation, and differing opinions are normal, and I believe that is part of the healthy process of growth and democratic maturity in the Azores,” she said.

The interview follows recent political tension after José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government, ruled out a pre-electoral coalition with the CDS-PP and PPM for the 2028 regional elections — comments that generated debate across the political spectrum given that the next elections remain two years away. More recently, Vice-President Artur Lima insisted that the governing coalition remains “cohesive.”

Asked about potential future scenarios, Goulart Costa said she is prepared to help seek solutions “within the existing legal and constitutional framework,” including the possibility of another minority government arrangement, provided that stability can still be maintained.

“So long as there is also, from the perspective of that non-absolute majority, the greatest possible stability and respect for those who are outside the governing structure,” she explained.

She also clarified that a government operating under provisional monthly budgeting — known in Portugal as governing “by duodécimos” — would not automatically trigger intervention from her office.

“There will be no intervention unless the Government falls through a motion of censure, a failed confidence motion, or a resignation by the President of the Government,” she stressed.

Throughout the interview, the new Representative of the Republic repeatedly emphasized that “the heart of political decision-making lies in the Legislative Assembly,” reinforcing the constitutional centrality of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores in resolving any institutional impasse.

She also made clear that no political party would be excluded from constitutional consideration.

“I deeply respect the decision of Azorean voters, and the composition of the Assembly reflects that democratic decision. Even from a constitutional standpoint, I naturally cannot have favorites,” she said.

The interview also explored broader questions surrounding the office of the Representative of the Republic itself, a position periodically debated within Azorean political life.

Goulart Costa defended the importance of institutional proximity between the office and the autonomous region, especially regarding the constitutional review of legislation produced in the Azores.

“The main responsibility of the Representative of the Republic is to assess legislation approved by the Regional Legislative Assembly,” she noted. “That means there is a close relationship between the Representative of the Republic and the legislation conceived within the Autonomous Region of the Azores.”

Questioning proposals that advocate eliminating the office, she asked who would then oversee the constitutional scrutiny of regional laws.

“Would we transfer this responsibility to the President of the Republic in Lisbon? The President already oversees national legislation and would inevitably have to appoint advisers or specialists to deal with Azorean matters. If that is the case, it is clearly preferable to have those advisers here in the Autonomous Region itself, precisely because of the importance of proximity,” she argued.

She also questioned whether alternative models would create institutional overlap or excessive centralization.

“Would we create a kind of local President of the Republic, competing with the President of the Regional Government? Or would we transfer the responsibility directly to the Constitutional Court?” she asked.

Looking ahead, Goulart Costa acknowledged that any future constitutional revision may eventually require a broader discussion regarding the most appropriate institutional model for the Azores.

At the same time, she said she hopes to strengthen the educational and civic dimension of the office, especially among younger generations.

“The pedagogical component is very important to me,” she explained. “I care deeply about my students at the University of the Azores, and I am particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of helping younger generations better understand the political and institutional role of the Representative of the Republic.”

“That educational dimension of the Representation of the Republic also seems important to me, and it is something to which I will dedicate myself as thoughtfully as possible,” she concluded.

Translated and adapted from a story in Diário Insular, José Lourenço, director.