The PS/Azores (Socialist Party of the Azores) questioned the Regional Government about the “+ Jovem Package” on Thursday, August 8th, 2024. The package was designed to attract and retain young talent in the region. However, the party argues that the package actually hinders the professional development of young Azoreans by imposing penalties and obstacles.
The PS has submitted a request to the regional government through the parliament. They seek clarification on the measure, which they believe may have the opposite effect of what is intended. Socialist MP Russell Sousa said in a statement:
“The + Jovem package doubly penalizes and creates obstacles to the development of a professional career for young Azoreans”
Concerns Over Career Development and Stability
The PS/Azores said that, according to a decree published in July, if a young person is unfairly dismissed by their employer, they would have to return the financial support they received. This undermines their stability and effectively punishes those who are just starting their professional lives.
Sousa is also the president of JS/Açores, and he believes that the legislation created by the Regional Government is negligent regarding the alleged reasons for the dismissal of a young person. If the person is dismissed without just cause, the employer does not need to give any reason for his dismissal.
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He added that the + Jovem package is counterproductive and ineffective and disregards the realities of the Azorean labor market. He argued that it creates an environment of uncertainty and financial risk instead of guaranteeing more flexible and adaptable support to the conditions of young workers. He said that:
“Young people, often in precarious employment or on internships, are subject to changes in their professional path. Penalties for non-compliance that are not under their direct control put them at a significant disadvantage.”
The Socialist deputy further criticizes the government for not carefully designing the program. He questioned the specific criteria used to determine whether financial support must be partially or fully returned. Sousa said
“It is imperative to reformulate this legislation. We need a system that effectively supports the professional and economic development of young Azoreans, not one that penalizes them”
Sousa argues that the legislation needs to be restructured to genuinely support the professional and economic development of young Azoreans rather than penalizing them. He also believes that young people should be rewarded for pursuing higher education.
He added that they should be valued in terms of salary, encouraging them to work in their home islands and regions.
