“It is within local democratic power that our democracy thrives, becomes emotional, and truly lives. It is within local democratic power where the rejuvenation of our democracy occurs, with young candidates and women actively participating in constructing a collective life and the future we aspire to—a future of hope and confidence,” he stated.
The socialist leader, speaking at the event launching Ana Brum’s reelection campaign for the presidency of the Lajes do Pico Municipal Council in the Azores, noted that local democratic power embodies the values of equality, freedom, and social justice.
During his address, he urged those present to trust in his party, which, even before April 25, fought clandestinely to bring freedom, justice, and equality to the Portuguese people and in those who have already proven themselves.
“Naturally, not everything went as we would have liked, and nothing was perfect in this journey of more than 50 years. But the older people in this room remember well what life was like 50 years ago and know well what the living conditions are today,” he said.
Therefore, he added, it is important to convey this message to the younger generations to feel that “it was worthwhile and will continue to be worthwhile to have the Socialist Party as the great party of Portuguese democracy.”
In his speech, the PS secretary-general made two commitments to the Azoreans and the regional socialist leader, promising Francisco César that he would have the support of the national PS to work and dialogue with the Azores Regional Government “for a new Regional Finance Law, ensuring more resources for the region while also guaranteeing greater responsibility in the use of public resources,” which belong to everyone and require democratic scrutiny on how they are applied to the region’s development.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to ensure that in the future, the Azores “can actively participate in the administration, management, and benefit of water and marine resources, aiming to secure more and better opportunities to diversify the region’s economy, create new job opportunities for the younger, more qualified individuals, and provide more life prospects for the Azoreans.”
José Luís Carneiro described the socialist candidate for the Lajes do Pico Municipal Council as an “exemplary” leader who “will win the elections on October 12.”
At the same session, the PS/Azores leader praised local power, the work of local representatives, and the decentralization of competencies, expressing contentment in being in the municipality of Lajes do Pico, which he considered a “good example of PS governance” and “great leadership” by Ana Brum.
The current president of the Lajes do Pico Council stated her candidacy for a second term is to continue the work done and to address “what has not yet been done.”
“We have a vision for the future, and we know how and where we want to go. We want to revitalize our economy, create opportunities, and develop each parish with balance and sustainability. We will complete the projects that are already underway,” Ana Brum promised.
