# Azorean Parties Demand 23 Million Euro Agricultural Support Payment

Opposition parties criticize the government for failing to deliver promised funds to farmers.

- **Source:** [Notícias ao Minuto](https://www.noticiasaominuto.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-08
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <
                https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/politica/3080569/ps-e-chegaacores-exigem-23-milhoes-de-euros-aos-agricultores#utm_source=rss-ultima-hora&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rssfeed
                >
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e3058833-d717-4bef-a10e-e560bf67fc13

## Unpaid Agricultural Support Funds

Opposition parties PS and Chega in the Azores are demanding the central government release 23 million euros in promised aid. These funds were intended to compensate farmers for rising production costs caused by the war in Ukraine. Critics argue that despite explicit budget provisions, the money has not reached the farmers.

## Broken Campaign Promises Alleged

Socialist deputy Patrícia Miranda claims that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and regional leader José Manuel Bolieiro used the 23 million euro payment as a campaign pledge during the 2024 elections. She accuses both the central and regional governments of deceiving the agricultural sector by failing to honor these specific financial commitments.

## Minister Cites Regulatory Expiration

Minister of Agriculture José Manuel Fernandes stated that the European Commission authorization for these specific war-related subsidies expired in 2024. This legal interpretation prevents the government from transferring the funds. However, opposition members argue that the allocation was formally inscribed in the state budget, making the payment a mandatory obligation.

## Dispute Over Budgetary Validity

The Chega party strongly disputes the minister's claim, noting that the funds were included in the state budget approved by the Assembly of the Republic. They question the legitimacy of the government's refusal to execute a law that was already passed, arguing that budgetary allocations must be honored regardless of administrative excuses.

## Economic Impact on Farmers

Farmers in the Azores are struggling with high operational costs, including expensive animal feed and fertilizers. Opposition leaders emphasize that these businesses cannot survive on political rhetoric or unfulfilled promises. The unpaid support is described as essential for maintaining farm operations and supporting the livelihoods of workers in the region.

## Regional Government Defense Criticized

The PS/Açores party has accused the regional PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government of lacking the necessary firmness to defend local interests against the central government. They argue that the regional executive has failed to secure the funds that were legally earmarked for Azorean farmers, leaving the sector in a precarious financial position.

## Legal and Political Conflict

The situation highlights a significant tension between legislative intent and executive execution. While the government points to the expiration of European regulatory frameworks, the opposition maintains that the state budget serves as a binding contract. This standoff leaves the agricultural community waiting for clarity on whether the funds will materialize.

## Broader Agricultural Challenges

Beyond the funding dispute, the Azorean agricultural sector faces ongoing operational difficulties, such as recent pest outbreaks affecting chestnut production on Terceira Island. These environmental pressures, combined with the lack of promised financial relief, exacerbate the economic instability for local producers who are currently managing their farms under severe financial strain.

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._