PS/Açores warns of worsening demographic problem on Flores
Azores GuideSocialist deputies say housing, jobs and more reliable connections are central to retaining residents on Flores, where their parliamentary sessions are under way.
The PS/Açores parliamentary group has begun its sessions on Flores, running until Thursday, while warning of a worsening demographic problem on the island. The programme includes meetings and visits to local institutions and companies, alongside a public debate on economic development, social cohesion and quality of life.
Deputy José Gabriel Eduardo said Flores is experiencing population ageing and loss, particularly in Lajes. He cited data indicating 192 elderly people for every six young people in the municipality, and said parents and grandparents often follow children and grandchildren who leave to study and do not return.
Eduardo said retaining population is the main challenge. He identified a lack of employment and available housing as major barriers to young people returning and settling on the island, and also pointed to housing, employment, accessibility and health as problem areas.
He said air links need permanent attention during a period of strong tourist demand in Flores. He also raised concerns about the lack of regularity and predictability in cargo-ship arrivals, noting constraints at Porto das Lajes.
A debate on Wednesday will include different testimonies and is intended to discuss solutions on housing, employment and population retention that could lead to concrete parliamentary proposals, Eduardo said. According to the PS/Açores parliamentary group, the programme also includes meetings with cultural and sports associations, Lajes Municipal Council, tourism-sector businesspeople, the Flores Island Agricultural Association, fishermen and shipowners, and visits to local institutions and sites.
Update — 2026-10-06
The programme also includes visits in Lajes das Flores to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the primary school and kindergarten, the Boca da Vereda wind farm and Porto das Lajes.
PS/Açores parliamentary group president Berto Messias said the initiative continues the socialist deputies' close-contact work in the region's municipalities and that these contacts are essential to parliamentary work.
Update — 2026-10-06
José Gabriel Eduardo said Flores is losing entire families every year. He described this as the island's main challenge.
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