The President of the Government considered the State Budget proposal for 2018 as "very positive" since it ensures the full compliance with the Regional Finance Act and the principle of national solidarity, among others.
 
"We make a very positive evaluation of this State Budget proposal for 2018, based on facts that are quite relevant to the Autonomous Region of the Azores," said Vasco Cordeiro. He spoke in Ponta Delgada, after receiving the President of the Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party at the National Assembly, Carlos César.
 
Vasco Cordeiro stressed that the proposal presented by the National Government complies with the Regional Finance Act of Autonomous Regions, not only by ensuring predictability and security in the financial relations between the Region and Mainland Portugal but also by contributing to the financial stability of the Region.
 
"The second idea that leads to a very positive evaluation of this proposal concerns the implementation of the principle of national solidarity, especially when the State assumes, for the first time, the responsibility to share the cost of public service obligations," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
"After years and years of insistence on the part of several Regional Governments, we have managed to end the discrimination of the Azores in comparison to Madeira. This is a fact that goes far beyond the financial amount involved," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
According to the President of the Government, the assumption of the principle of national solidarity and the State's responsibilities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores is embodied in several matters included in the Budget proposal, such as the installation of meteorological radars on the islands of Terceira, São Miguel and Flores.
 
"The documents that are under analysis at the National Assembly also comprise a third component that leads to this very positive assessment on the part of the Regional Government. It mentions the country's emerging areas of affirmation and the relevance of the Azores for this projection of Portugal and the Region," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
In this regard, the President of the Government pointed out the examples of the AIR Center, which is mentioned in the report accompanying the State Budget, the expansion of the continental shelf as well as the importance of the Azores in this area and the advantages arising therefrom.
 
Vasco Cordeiro also stressed the "usefulness and merit" of the meeting, he had with Carlos César. According to him, "it turns out to be another meeting that adds up to a series of contacts established and that greatly contribute to the smooth and fruitful relation between the Azorean Government and the National Government."