The Internal Transformation of the Autonomy Model

(continued)

The Statutory Amendments of 2009

The statutory revision of 2009 deepened several tendencies that had previously been identified. Particularly significant was the replacement of the reference to harmonious development with formulations centred upon the concept of balanced development.

At first sight, the difference may appear to be merely terminological.

It nevertheless warrants reflection.

The concept of harmonious development is predominantly political and territorial in nature.

The concept of balanced development belongs more closely to the language of economics and to quantitative indicators of growth.

Naturally, the two concepts may coexist and complement one another.

The problem arises when the economic dimension tends to subsume and replace the political dimension. In such a case, there is a risk of evaluating success in the region solely through aggregate indicators, while disregarding phenomena of territorial concentration that may compromise the cohesion of the archipelago.

Autonomy was not created merely to promote economic growth.

It was created to ensure that such growth would serve the regional community in its entirety.

The Silent Erosion of the Balances Underpinning Autonomy

One of the most consequential characteristics of processes of institutional transformation lies in their ability to operate without provoking immediate resistance.

The most profound changes rarely occur through dramatic ruptures.

More often, they unfold gradually, through small legislative, administrative, or organisational changes which, when considered in isolation, appear to possess limited significance.

When observed collectively and over time, however, these changes may significantly alter the functioning of a political system.

It is precisely this possibility that must be considered in relation to Azorean autonomy.

None of the transformations that have occurred over recent decades has involved the formal abolition of autonomy.

None has eliminated the Region’s own governing institutions.

None has extinguished regional legislative powers.

Yet several changes appear to have contributed to a growing concentration of functions and institutions.

The central question, therefore, is not whether autonomy continues to exist.

It is whether it continues to fulfil, with equal intensity, the principles of territorial solidarity, harmonious development, and internal balance that justified its creation. The answer to this question requires us temporarily to set aside the institutional plane and examine a concrete case.

For this reason, the following section will analyse the evolution of the regional air transport system, understood here as a particularly relevant case study through which to assess the practical effects of the centralising tendencies observed throughout the archipelago.

Arnaldo Ourique is a reasercher and writer specialing on the Azorean Autonomy.

Translated by Diniz Borges