The first president of the Regional Government of the Azores, Mota Amaral, today lamented the existence of disunity among Azorians, arguing that the "idea of autonomy is to bring together all the Azores." In statements to the Portuguese news agency, Mota Amaral emphasized the importance of cohesion among the inhabitants of the archipelago as a fundamental basis of the autonomy movement.
The politician, who led the First Regional Government of the Azores upon taking office 50 years ago, also insisted on the need to abolish the position of Representative of the Republic, a figure who represents the central State in the autonomous region. This position reflects his vision of a more complete autonomy less dependent on mainland oversight.
The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first Regional Government serves as the backdrop for these statements, highlighting the evolution of the autonomy process over five decades. Mota Amaral, as a historical figure of this process, continues to defend the principles he considers essential for the identity and functionality of Azorean autonomy.
