The President of the Government stated in Angra do Heroísmo that the placement of 2,500 unemployed Azorean in the "Recuperar" (Recovery) programme will grant them a monthly income, which is a further evidence that Autonomy works for benefit of the Azorean people.

"If it were to merely apply the national rules, we would have 2,500 unemployed Azoreans ineligible for unemployment benefits and without any source of income, who would be unable to support their livelihood and that of their families," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke at the presentation of the new edition of the "Recuperar" Programme, a measure created by the Vice-Presidency of the Government, Employment and Business Competitiveness. Of the 2,500 unemployed Azoreans admitted to "Recuperar," 600 participants were admitted on the island of Terceira, who will start working soon.

Vasco Cordeiro, who was accompanied by Sérgio Ávila, considered that the measure demonstrates that the Autonomy works for the benefit of the Azorean people insofar as "Recuperar" is a programme specifically created by the Government of the Azores and is targeted at the unemployed who are no longer entitled to unemployment benefits due to the application of national rules.

"This does not represent the allocation of a subsidy, but the establishment of a partnership between the Regions Government and each of the Azorean citizens participating in this programme," assured the President of the Government.

In fact, the partnership allows participants to work in areas of interest to the Region. In turn, the Regional Government will provide them a monthly income.

"This initiative also acknowledges the value and dignity of the entire process to promote employability as well as of the actions we believe that must be done in a challenging phase of their lives," stressed Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government also highlighted the measures implemented by the Government to further promote employability, such as the "Estagiar" programmes, the incentives for the hiring of trainees, PROSA and INTEGRA.

According to him, the overall operation of the "Recuperar" programme in 2014 and 2015 already represents an investment of 40 million Euros. Nevertheless, the Government of the Azores is sure that "this is a good investment" because it makes participants "to feel useful and contribute to the development of their land."

Moreover, Vasco Cordeiro made a point to recognise the willingness and commitment demonstrated by several institutions towards this initiative, such as municipal authorities and village councils.
 
The "Recuperar" programme is an initiative targeted at the unemployed without income who have been registered at regional Employment Agencies for at least four months as well as at youngsters up to 29 years of age who are registered in the "Garantia Açores Jovem" (Azores Youth Guarantee) platform.