Vasco Cordeiro highlights scientific contribution that validates Strategy to Combat Poverty in the Region
The President of the Government highlighted in Horta the scientific and structural aspects of the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion. Education, employment and health are the major priorities in creating the conditions for the Azores to overcome these problems.
"What is proposed here is the contribution not only from those who dedicate their life and work to the fight against poverty, but also from those who dedicate their life and work to the scientific study of these problems," assured Vasco during a speech delivered at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly.
In December, the Azorean Government presented this Strategy, with a time horizon 2018-2028. It is based on four strategic priorities: ensure a process of comprehensive and inclusive development for all children and young people from the beginning of their lives, reinforce social cohesion in the Region, promote territorial intervention and ensure adequate knowledge on the phenomenon of poverty in the archipelago.
With regard to the model of governance, the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion, in addition to the creation of the Strategic Council, includes the establishment of a Scientific Committee, scientific monitoring on the measures and actions to be implemented under the action plans.
In today's parliamentary debate on this matter, the President of the Government pointed out that up until now no one has called into question the scientific validity and serious work in the preparation of this Strategy, which is currently under public consultation.
"We can disagree with the solutions, but the serious work in the preparation of the strategy proposal is unquestionable," stressed Vasco Cordeiro, noting the Government's structural approach to this matter that focuses on education, health and employment.
"This is a fight that must be the fight against the Azores and the Azoreans," said the President of the Government, for whom today's debate showed, on the part of some participants, "such as sectarian and extremist vision that is detrimental to everyone."
"Some opposition parties saw in this debate an opportunity to criticise the Government. This moment of debate should have been an opportunity to improve the Strategy to Combat Poverty and, thus, better serve the Azoreans," stressed Vasco Cordeiro.
One of the Government's motivations to move forward with this process has to do with the decision to "leave no one behind" at a moment when the signs of economic and social recovery are being consolidated in the Region. They are evidenced by economic growth, sharp reduction in the unemployment rate and the economy's ability to increasingly create more jobs.