The privatization of Azores Airlines remains unresolved, stated José Pacheco, leader of Chega/Açores, who demanded that the process be concluded by the end of this year. Failure to do so could push Azores Airlines towards insolvency, as revealed in a party statement.
This stance was shared following a working meeting between José Pacheco and Regional Government President José Manuel Bolieiro (PSD), focusing on the 2026 Plan and Budget.
The statement also noted that besides Azores Airlines, José Pacheco discussed the report by the Inquiry Commission on the fire at the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES) and the choice of a modular hospital.
Chega/Açores expressed deep concerns over the lack of transparency following the fire at HDES, the largest hospital in the Azores, and the political decision to opt for a modular hospital instead of investing in the existing facility, which could have reopened soon after the fire.
In the meeting, José Pacheco advocated for a “feasible” Regional Budget and urged the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government to act on proposals that the party has presented and have been approved in the Budget, with some already being implemented.
“This is a way for Chega to see if the Regional Government intends to comply with the approved Budget,” the party stated, adding that it is aware of numerous delayed supports and payments.
“Hence, it is vital that the next Budget is real and concrete, with measures that truly assist the Azoreans and are fulfilled,” the statement read.
On June 11, Chega/Açores announced plans to schedule an urgent debate on Azores Airlines for the July plenary session to provide clarity on the airline’s financial situation, viability, and privatization process.
The objective is to address the current and future status of Azores Airlines, considering the accumulated losses and the privatization process initiated in March 2023, which is now stalled amid uncertainties.
