Azores. PS warns of lack of support for IPSS

The PS Açores warned this Thursday that Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) “still do not see cooperation agreements for 2025 signed and paid”, a situation that compromises the sustainability of the institutions, asking for answers from the Regional Government.

In a statement, the socialists expressed “deep concern” about the situation of the IPSS, since the Government of the Azores (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) and the Republic (PSD/CDS-PP) have not yet “reached an understanding” on the funds to be transferred.

"The Regional Government and the Government of the Republic, both from the PSD/CDS-PP, have not yet reached an agreement regarding the funds to be transferred, which is absolutely unacceptable, especially when eight months have already passed since the beginning of the year," criticized the PS deputy in the Azorean parliament Marta Matos, quoted in the press release.

The Socialists submitted a request to the Regional Assembly asking the Azorean government "about the specific reasons for this delay, the amount missing, and the measures being taken to safeguard the institutions and their users."

“The ability of IPSS to respond to families, the elderly, children and people in vulnerable situations is at stake,” reinforced Marta Matos.

For the party, the delay "compromises the sustainability" of the IPSS and "puts the protection of thousands of Azoreans at risk."

The Socialist Party, which leads the opposition in the Azores, emphasizes that IPSS budgets "are usually negotiated the previous year, precisely to ensure predictability and financial stability, which is not happening."

The socialists “demand an immediate solution,” which could involve creating “transitional support mechanisms until the agreement is reached,” as those institutions “cannot be victims of the lack of political coordination between governments of the same party.”

“The Regional Government cannot continue to wash its hands of this responsibility,” warned the PS Azores MP.

In the Azores there are 223 IPSS, which employ around 6 thousand people, according to the Regional Union of Private Social Solidarity Institutions of the Azores (URIPSSA), in September 2024.

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