The President of the Government of the Azores stated this Monday that the increase of 75 million euros in the State Budget for 2025 (OE2025) vthere to reduce the need for debt in the regionrejecting any “conditionalism” towards the Republic.
“The 75 million come to reduce the need for financing, through the regional budget debt of 150 million. Which means that, instead of resorting to a debt of 150 million, we will use 75 million. This is what was agreed upon with the Government of the Republic,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.
The leader of the executive of the Azores (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) spoke to the media on the sidelines of the signing of a protocol with the Navy, at the headquarters of the Presidency, in Ponta Delgada.
On Friday, José Manuel Bolieiro announced an increase of 75 million euros in OE2025 transfers to the Azores, expected increase in a proposed amendment to the document to be voted on during the specialty debate.
The Government of the Azores claimed an increase of 150 million in State transfers to the region in 2025, by virtue of the change in VAT capitation in the Regional Finance Law, anticipating contracting debt for that amount if the claim was unsuccessful.
This Monday, the leader of the Government of the Azores highlighted that the region will resort to indebtedness “because there is an insufficiency” of funds in the Regional Finance Law and highlighted that the social partners, in the association agreement, were “receptive” to indebtedness.
“It is not even about conditionality because it is about avoiding the need [de endividamento] which was always what I wanted given the lack of transfers. An unfair insufficiency because we are, as we always defend, from the perspective that, if there is a review of the Finance Law of the Autonomous Communities, we would have the right to greater transfers,” he insisted.
The President of the Government of the Azores He also called the increased funding an “unequivocal victory.” and highlighted that the transformation of commercial health debt into financial debt in the amount of 150 million was also authorized.
“These are victories. I will say that they still do not reach what I think should be fair to help and defend the autonomies. I have said and reaffirmed that the Azores should no longer be seen only as a region of needs, as they are, but also as a region of opportunities,” he highlighted.
José Manuel Bolieiro rejected, on the other hand, that There is a financial bailout for the Azores.as the PS stated, considering that the current Regional Government “is doing more and better than socialist governance.”
“That’s nonsense, it’s not true. The rescue or understanding for the rescue was in 2012, with the socialist governments, 185 million euros,” he stated.
The parliamentary leader of the PS/Açores considered this Monday that The reinforcement of State Budget funds to pay the region’s debt is a rescue and the recognition that there is a problem with the sustainability of regional finances.
State Budget. The Parliament of the Azores gives a positive opinion on the Government’s proposal
Source: Observadora
