THE INTERNAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE AUTONOMOUS MODEL
The 2009 Statutory Amendments
The 2009 revision of the Statute of Autonomy reinforced some of the tendencies previously identified. Particularly significant was the replacement of the reference to harmonious development with formulations centered on the concept of balanced development.
At first glance, the difference may appear merely terminological. However, the distinction deserves reflection.
The concept of harmonious development is predominantly political and territorial in nature. The concept of balanced development is more closely associated with economic language and quantitative indicators of growth.
Naturally, both concepts can coexist and complement one another. The problem arises when the economic dimension tends to absorb or replace the political dimension.
In such circumstances, there is a risk of evaluating regional success exclusively through aggregate indicators, overlooking patterns 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 entire regional community.
The Silent Erosion of the Autonomous Equilibrium
One of the most significant characteristics of institutional transformation is its capacity to unfold without provoking immediate resistance.
The most profound changes rarely occur through dramatic ruptures. More often, they develop gradually, through minor legislative, administrative, or organizational adjustments that, considered individually, appear to be of limited importance.
However, when viewed collectively and over time, these changes can 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 in recent decades has entailed the formal elimination of autonomy. None has abolished the institutions of self-government. None has extinguished regional legislative powers.
Nevertheless, several changes appear to have contributed to an increasing concentration of functions and institutions.
The central question, therefore, is not whether autonomy continues to exist.
It is whether autonomy continues to fulfill, with the same degree of commitment, the principles of territorial solidarity, harmonious development, and equilibrium among the islands that justified its creation.
Answering this question requires temporarily moving beyond the realm of institutional theory and examining a concrete case.
For this reason, the following section analyzes the evolution of the regional air transportation system, considering it a particularly relevant case study for assessing the practical effects of the centralizing tendencies observed throughout the archipelago.
Arnaldo Ourique is a reasercher and writer specialing on the Azorean Autonomy.
Translated by Diniz Borges