Azores Socialist Party leader proposes bill to protect air travel rights

Francisco César, leader of the Socialist Party in the Azores and deputy in the Assembly of the Republic, has announced plans to introduce a bill to protect Azorean citizens from financial losses related to air travel. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that residents do not lose money or rights due to changes in the Territorial Continuity Mechanism or delays in the airfare reimbursement platform.

César emphasized that citizens should not be penalized for state-related delays, stating, “If it was the State that was late, the citizen cannot pay the bill!” The initiative also seeks to allow passengers to combine outbound and return trips that were split between different continuity regimes without incurring duplicate costs.

During his speech at the Socialist Festival in Ponta Delgada, César also addressed the rising cost of living. He advocated for several economic measures, including reducing VAT on essential foods, lowering electricity taxes, returning fuel tax revenue to the Azores, and increasing the availability of affordable housing through the recovery of vacant properties and incentives for long-term rentals.