Santa Maria island faces neglect from Azores Regional Government

Francisco César, leader of the Socialist Party (PS) in the Azores, has accused the Regional Government of abandoning the island of Santa Maria. Following a meeting with the President of the Vila do Porto Municipal Chamber, Bárbara Chaves, César highlighted several critical issues facing the island.

Key concerns include persistent difficulties with maritime cargo transport, which recently threatened the Maré de Agosto festival. César also pointed to a lack of investment and maintenance in essential infrastructure, such as roads, noting that recent works have largely relied on past investments or Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) funds.

Additionally, the island has seen a cumulative decline in tourism of approximately 17%, which César stated is penalizing the local economy and income.