The President of the Regional Government expressed "his feelings of loss" over the death of Professor José Medeiros Ferreira, one of the "great Azorean figures never forgot the Azores" in his personal, academic and political action.

"I would like to highlight how the Azores were always present in the life of Professor José Medeiros Ferreira as evidenced by his passion for our islands and for his commitment to the Azorean society," said Vasco Cordeiro. 

Speaking to journalists, the President of the Government recalled that José Medeiros Ferreira was one of the founders of the Azorean Forum, who has always considered the academic role the Azores played and continue to play nowadays.

Vasco Cordeiro recalled that the former Member of the National Parliament from 1995 to 2005 was linked to the implementation of measures that were fundamental for the strengthening of Autonomy, such as the Regional Finance Act of Autonomous Regions and the revisions of the National Constitutions, which "have had a significant impact on the evolution of Regional Autonomies."

The President of the Government also stressed the role played by José Medeiros Ferreira as Minister for Foreign Affairs, who applied for Portugal's accession to the then European Economic Community as well as his duties as Member of the European Parliament and his contribution to democracy and the fight against dictatorship.

"For all these aspects, he may be considered one of the most important Azorean personalities of recent times; a man who stood out for his intelligence and his academic and political path and who never forgot the Azores," emphasised the President of the Government.

After sending his condolences to the family, Vasco Cordeiro also recalled the wit, irony and sense of humour of José Medeiros Ferreira; these characteristics "were always present in all aspects of his academic and political path."