The President of the Government expressed his belief that, 40 years later, the Autonomy of the Azores is fulfilling the goals embodied in the Portuguese Constitution, but stressed that the Region still faces economic and social challenges that must be overcome.
 
"The Autonomy of the Azores is, 40 years later, fulfilling the goals stipulated in the constitution, namely the democratic participation of citizens, economic and social development, the promotion and defence of regional interests, the strengthening of national unity and ties of solidarity among all Portuguese citizens," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government spoke during a debate promoted by "Clube dos Pensadores" (Club of Thinkers) in Vila Nova de Gaia, where he participated as guest speaker. Vasco Cordeiro stressed the growing pressure that exists in some areas, such as the case of the dairy sector due to the international context. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the Region has many opportunities, highlighting the potential of the Sea.
 
"We have opportunities and one of them is related to this great resource, which is the Sea and our extensive Exclusive Economic Zone. This is the result of two circumstances that have yet to be dully analysed and properly addressed" at national level.
 
In this regard, Vasco Cordeiro pointed out the Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union and the USA, which is currently under negotiation between both parties, and the expansion of Panama Canal; the latter is already concluded.
 
"These two circumstances may contribute to radically change the opportunities that may arise in the Atlantic to the country and the Azores," defended the President of the Government.
 
In this debate, Vasco Cordeiro presented hard data on the situation of regional public finances, rejecting the idea that "Autonomy is a drain on public funds and wasteful in the way it manages the resources at its disposal."
 
According to INE, the estimated deficit of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in 2015 represents 0.02 percent of its Gross Domestic Product.
 
According to the same source, public debt is estimated at 38 percent of GDP, well below the estimated values at national level, said the President of the Government.
 
"In the case of the Azores, we feel that this responsibility is ever present and this is so because we have made very clear choices in terms of investment," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. According to him, the Region's own revenue represents 66 percent of the Budget, Community funds represent 16 percent and national solidarity is approximately 18 percent.
 
In the year that Autonomy celebrates four decades of its constitutional establishment, the President of the Government also presented data evidence this Autonomic path in the Region in terms of social and economic development.
 
"In 1974, the GDP 'per capita' in the Azores was about 45 percent of national figures. Today, we stand at 91 percent. In 1974, 40 percent of Azorean villages had no schools. Today, we have 40 schools throughout the Region. As for health, only the two largest islands had hospitals. Today, we have three hospitals, 18 health centres and health units in many parishes, especially in those that far away from central areas. Today, there are ports and airports on all islands and conditions that make a difference in terms of accessibility," said the government official.
 
"All this was possible with national solidarity, especially until 1998 when the Regional Finance Act was created and, from certain period, with Community funds. However, it was Autonomy that made difference in the correct use of the resources that have been at our disposal over these 40 years," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government also pointed out three important circumstances in this path of Autonomy, namely the Weeks of Azorean Studies, the establishment of the University of the Azores and the creation of RTP/Açores. They have played a significant role in the production of a regional thought on the development of the archipelago, critical mass and a regional identity.