Carlos César stated on Friday morning that the Azorean Government "has worked very hard to minimise the impact of international economic crisis, the austerity measures of the National Government and the reduction of bank funding."

The government official added that the Government's action has been carried out “through the allocation of support to people struggling to find jobs as well as to companies with difficulties in maintaining and creating new jobs. In this context, we have also made bank credit available, reducing the risks in certain banking operations.

Despite "being a very difficult job," the President of the Government believes that "we will have managed to contain the rise in unemployment by the second semester," revealing the existence of indicators pointing in that direction.

Nevertheless, Carlos César pointed out the need for a greater availability of the banking sector in order to support families, refuting the criticism made by the Prime Minister, who seemed to be pleased with banks' tendency to raise spreads in the revision of contracts for housing credit.

There is a lot of work to be done, "but working with the banking sector in order to reduce the austerity measures that are severely affecting our economy - our small economies, the restaurant sector, small companies, families - is something that can only be done by the National Government as these are national measures."

As he assured, the Government will continue to do its part, "with high hopes in the country's recovery and the awareness of institutions for the fact that one cannot grow with austerity."

In order to ensure the country's compliance with its commitments, the President of the Government defends "a balance between austerity policies and what is deemed necessary" to reinforce the liquidity of companies so that they may generate employment and wealth.

Conveying his belief that the Azorean Government will accomplish this task successfully, Carlos César called for the "country's help. It will be very difficult to overcome the crisis, if there is an obstacle that prevents us from moving forward in the Azores."

For the President of the Government, "the conduction of an effective policy at a national and European level is a requirement for the success of good regional policies."

Carlos César spoke at the presentation ceremony of the renewal works of Corvo sports hall, a work with an estimated budget of 600 thousand Euros that includes the installation of a covered structure.

 This renewal will not only improve the conditions for the practice of sports - making it possible on rainy days - but also allow not only better for the sport - making it possible on rainy days, for example - will serve as for use in social and cultural events that occur on the smallest island of the archipelago.