AZORES | Regional Government organises event to mark 46th anniversary of Region’s Political and Administrative Statute
In the year marking the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Azores, the Regional Government of the Azores is organising this Friday, October 16, an event dedicated to the 46th anniversary of the Political and Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (EPARAA), inviting participants to reflect on the historical journey, the evolution and future challenges of regional autonomy.
The event will take place in the Upper Choir of the Conceição Palace, starting at 10:30 a.m., with free admission. It will bring together legal experts to analyse the main amendments made to the Statute over the past few decades and discuss the future of regional powers.
The 1976 Constitution of the Portuguese Republic marked the beginning of a new phase in the history of the Azores by enshrining the Region’s political and administrative autonomy. Four years later, in 1980, the adoption of the Political and Administrative Statute established a fundamental instrument for the organisation and exercise of the powers specific to the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
Since then, the Statute has kept pace with developments in the Portuguese constitutional framework, undergoing various revisions intended to define and set out the powers of self-governmentbodies, particularly in the legislative sphere.
The amendments introduced in 1998 and, subsequently, in 2009, following the constitutional revisions of 1997 and 2004, represent key milestones in this journey, opening up new possibilities but also raising legal questions regarding the scope and limits of regional legislative power.
It is precisely this journey, forged over almost five decades, that the conference aims to analyse closely, not only to understand the past, but also to discuss the challenges facing the future of Azorean autonomy.
The session will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a speech by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, followed by presentations from three guest experts.
Professor Eduardo Paz Ferreira will address the topic “The EPARAA and the Region’s financial autonomy,” whilst Professor Rui Lanceiro will analyse “The amendments made to the EPARAA since 1980.”
For his part, Professor Rui Medeiros, PhD, will present “A legal and political reflection on the evolution of the EPARAA,” providing an opportunity to consider the future of autonomy and the possible strengthening of regional powers in matters relevant to the Azores, such as the sea.
The programme also includes the screening of a video featuring footage and content from the Public Prosecutor’s Office Archive. It will highlight key moments and events within the historical and political context of the Political and Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
The event, which is scheduled to end at 1 p.m., is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Azores. It aims to promote greater understanding and reflection on one of the key legal instruments underpinning the exercise of regional autonomy.
Attendance is free and open to all interested parties.
GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU
