Azores leaders call for greater autonomy during 50th anniversary

Political leaders in the Azores have used the 50th anniversary of the region's autonomy to call for increased self-governance and greater public engagement. During a commemorative session in Horta, Faial, attended by the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, various perspectives on the region's status were presented.

Francisco César, leader of the PS/Açores, advocated for a more ambitious autonomy. He argued that the region should actively participate in a new constitutional revision process to deepen autonomous powers and secure concrete benefits for residents. While acknowledging progress in education and economic development, he emphasized that the Azores must continue to strive for greater control over their own development.

José Pacheco, leader of the Chega parliamentary group, criticized the ceremonial nature of the celebrations. He argued that autonomy belongs to the people—including farmers, fishermen, and workers—rather than to politicians or elites. Pacheco expressed concern that the commemorations focused too heavily on officials and failed to involve the general population, which he described as the legitimate owners of the region's autonomy.