At the Institute for Research in Marine Sciences in Horta, Faial Island, Azores, discussions emphasized the need for the Republic’s government and regional governments to convene. This follows previous challenges in discussing regional finances, highlighting current opportunities for dialogue.
“We need to address this now, before another crisis emerges. While we are not experiencing prosperity, conditions are not as dire as in recent years. Delaying until a global, European, or national crisis occurs would make it difficult to seize current opportunities,” he stated.
The President argued the current situation allows for the evaluation of figures and solution finding, stressing the importance of utilizing the interim between crises to reach agreements, as future crises will inevitably arise.
The President noted that the lack of periodic review of the Regional Finance Law leads to severe financial challenges for autonomous regions.
“Physical discontinuity highlights these issues, impacting airfares, goods mobility, and product prices, given most products are not manufactured locally within autonomous regions,” he elaborated.
Marcelo acknowledged the government’s claim of numerous demands and limited funds, but emphasized this issue relates to the Constitution and the distinct nature of the Portuguese state as a regional entity, comprising two autonomous regions facing more complex economic and financial conditions than the mainland.
During the state of the nation’s debate on July 17, the Prime Minister expressed the executive’s willingness to engage more intensively on revising the regional finance law. A Ministerial Council session is planned, with participation from the presidents of the Regional Governments.
