The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of the former President of the Azores Regional Government, Dr. Alberto Madruga da Costa.

Following is the text of the message of condolences:

“Upon being advised of the passing away of Alberto Madruga da Costa, I address the bereaved Family my deepest condolences.

Alberto Madruga da Costa stood out for his dedication to the public cause and for his defence of the ambitions of the peoples of the Azores. Through his actions as Regional Secretary, as Member of Parliament, as Speaker of the Regional Parliament and as President of the Azores Regional Government he decisively contributed to the deepening of the autonomy within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic and to the region’s economic and social development.

All the Portuguese – and the Azoreans, in particular – should pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding and distinguished personality who dedicated his life for the good of his fellow citizens.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”