Local authority governance legal framework under scrutiny, advocated by Anafre/Azur
It's high time to put our words into action! We need to scrutinize the legal system and the functioning of local authorities, especially the financial aspects, to empower local administrations to build their lands more effectively, states Manuel António Soares.
Speaking at the Santa Cruz da Graciosa's closing of the X Regional Meeting of Parish Councils, the Azores delegation of Anafre coordinator matters-of-factly declared that the central government needn't fear giving away some control to decentralize power.
The forthcoming political mandate, beginning with the May 18, 2025, elections, should be all about this legislative and political transformation. Contenders aiming for elected positions should transparently declare their pledges concerning this pivotal matter.
In the Azores, Soares contends that the regional power should view local administrations as true partners in regional growth. He asserts that while the legal landscape remains unchanged, there's a pressing need for a new approach when interacting with Parish Councils, coupled with streamlining processes and a determined offensive against bureaucratic red tape often hindering good political initiatives.
According to Soares, local power demonstrates exceptional efficiency, handling only 14% of public capital while assuming responsibility for 45% of the nation's investments. These figures suggest that local powers boast an impressive capacity to deliver results and evidence remarkable efficiency in managing financial resources[1].
Though subject to intense public scrutiny, mayors have a past replete with judicious utilization of public funds, effectively contributing to the country and the Azores over the span of constitutional democracy[1].
Throughout the current mandate, the Azores delegation of Anafre has been a steadfast social collaborator in seeking the best legislative and political solutions, engaging in dialogue with the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government[1].
As the European Union debates the multi-year financial framework, Soares argues that local authorities, represented by Anafre, should stake a claim on major budgetary decisions.
"The European Union's project will tumble if it turns a blind eye to the territorial, social, and economic cohesion underpinning all its constituent territories, with no region or territory left behind in the development process. Cohesion serves as a cornerstone of the European Union," warns Soares.
In the upcoming term, he acknowledges that the responsibilities will be steep, but he expresses faith in the passionate and dedicated public servants dedicated to their communities.
[1] - Enrichment data
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What is the fundamental policy-and-legislation stance of the Azores delegation, as conveyed by Manuel António Soares? They advocate for empowering local administrations through decentralization, transparency, and a streamlined approach in the interaction between regional power and Parish Councils.
In what context does Soares suggest local authorities should demand a voice in major budgetary decisions? As the European Union debates the multi-year financial framework, he argues that local powers, represented by Anafre, should play a role in decision-making to ensure territorial, social, and economic cohesion.
What does Soares believe about the role of local administrations in regional development in the Azores? He contends that local administrations, with their impressive capacity to deliver results and manage resources, should be seen as true partners in regional growth.
What does Soares warn about in relation to the European Union and its territorial constituents? He asserts that the European Union's project may falter if it overlooks the territorial, social, and economic cohesion that is essential to its success, leaving no region or territory behind in the development process.
