The President of the Government defended that the legacy of José Medeiros Ferreira should be regarded as "as a source of inspiration" and highlighted the contribution provided by the late Member of Parliament in the development of Autonomy, with his involvement in the processes concerning the constitutional revision and the Finance Act of the Autonomous Regions.

"José Medeiros Ferreira is not just an Azorean who had a brilliant career in Mainland Portugal. Despite living in Mainland Portugal, this Azorean citizen has never forgotten the Azores in any of their aspects," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke in Ponta Delgada during a tribute session to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs that included the launch of the book “José Medeiros Ferreira: Liberdade Interventiva” (José Medeiros Ferreira: Interventional Freedom).

In regard to his political action, Vasco Cordeiro stressed the role played by José Medeiros Ferreira, as a Member of Parliament, in very important matters for Autonomy, such as the revisions of the Portuguese Constitution in the late 1990s and in 2004 as well as his participation in the Finance Act of the Autonomous Regions in 1998.

"For these reasons, the Autonomous Region of the Azores is proud and grateful for the contribution that José Medeiros Ferreira gave to our Autonomy," the President of the Government said, highlighting the academic career of José Medeiros Ferreira. He also owned an extensive book collection on several matters related to the Region.

In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that the legacy of José Medeiros Ferreira, which goes beyond the memory and recognition, should be regarded as "a source of inspiration and optimism, which was the way he saw life and all the dynamics around him."

The President of the Government also recalled that the Region has, in good time, acknowledged the importance of the work and personality of Medeiros Ferreira, with the bestowal of an Autonomic Commendation of Recognition in 2009. In turn, the Regional Government created a Scholarship Programme named after him for postgraduate courses in European Studies.