“As we have advocated, it is time to move from words to actions. It is necessary to review the legal framework of the organization and operation of local authorities, along with the financial regime associated with it, in order to equip local authorities with more financial resources, allowing them to better develop their territories,” stated Manuel António Soares.
The coordinator of the Azores delegation of Anafre, speaking today in Santa Cruz da Graciosa at the conclusion of the 10th Regional Meeting of Parish Mayors, emphasized that the central government “should not fear decentralization.”
The upcoming legislative session, commencing with the election of Representatives to the Assembly of the Republic on May 18, “should be distinguished by this legislative and political change,” and political parties and candidates “must be clear about the commitments they undertake in this regard.”
In the Azores, the regional authority “should view local authorities as true partners in regional development. This requires, even without altering those legal frameworks, a change in the relationship with Parish Councils, simplifying procedures, and clearly fighting against the excess bureaucracy that often stifles good political options,” he argued.
Manuel António Soares further asserted that local authorities “are more efficient than the central government: local authorities manage only 14% of public financial resources, yet they are responsible for 45% of the country’s investment.”
“These figures clearly illustrate the local authorities’ capacity for achievement and efficiency in managing and executing the available financial resources,” he remarked.
In his speech, he also noted that despite local power “being the most scrutinized political power in the country,” the mayors “manage public resources effectively and have accomplished remarkable work over the years of constitutional democracy in the country and in the Azores.”
The official also stated that in the concluding term, the Azores delegation of Anafre “has been a committed social partner in the pursuit of the best legislative and political solutions, in dialogue with the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government.”
“We have always been firm in our choices, open to dialogue regarding proposals, and determined in achieving results. We never hesitated in defending the parishes of the Azores. We never stopped striving for better,” he emphasized.
At a time when the European Union discusses the multiannual financial framework, he believes that parish mayors, through Anafre, “should take a stance on the major budgetary options.”
“The European Union project will fail the day it forgets that it is based on territorial, social, and economic cohesion among all the territories that comprise it, and that no region or territory should be left behind in the development process. Cohesion is a fundamental pillar of the European Union,” warned Manuel António Soares.
He stated that the next municipal term will be “very demanding,” but expressed confidence in the women and men who “dedicatedly and committedly” serve the communities.
