The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of the inaugural session of the then Regional Assembly of the Azores, held on September 4, 1976, representing a pivotal moment in the democratic and autonomous history of the Region.
The Municipality of Ponta Delgada views the Political and Administrative Autonomy of the Azores, enshrined in the 1976 Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, as a decisive milestone. This established its own governing bodies and enabled the Azores to take on new responsibilities in defining and directing its development.
Over five decades, this journey has been shaped by successive generations of Azoreans, through the actions of the self-governing bodies, municipalities, institutions, and various sectors of the regional society, contributing to the consolidation of Autonomy and the development of the Azores.
The Municipal Chamber highlights the significance of honoring the Deputies of the 1st Legislature of the then Regional Assembly of the Azores and the first President of the Regional Government, recognizing the role of those who initiated the autonomous institutions and undertook the responsibility of taking the first steps in this new governance model.
The commemorative session also acknowledged former Presidents of the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government present at the ceremony, through the presentation of a symbolic gift, valuing the contribution of different generations of political leaders to the construction and consolidation of Autonomy.
The presence of the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, also lent particular institutional significance to the initiative, reinforcing the Autonomy of the Azores as a reality integrated within the framework of Portuguese democracy.
According to the President of the Municipal Chamber of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, "the 50 years of Autonomy represent a major milestone in the history of the Azores and an opportunity to recognize all those who have contributed to its construction and consolidation. Celebrating this journey also reaffirms Autonomy as a collective heritage and an essential instrument for the Region's development, affirmation, and future."
In this regard, the Municipality of Ponta Delgada joins the commemorations of the 50 years of Constitutional Autonomy of the Azores and congratulates the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for organizing the Solemn Commemorative Session, recognizing all those who, over the past five decades, have contributed to the construction, consolidation, and enhancement of Autonomy.
