Dionysius Sousa, former president of the Azorean parliament, died

O former president of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores Dionysio Sousa died today, at 86 years old, revealed the current president of the Azorean parliament, Luís Garcia, highlighting his “path of dedication to the public cause and to the autonomous institutions”.

“Dionísio Sousa leaves a path of dedication to the public cause and to the autonomous institutions, having actively participated in the construction and consolidation of Azorean parliamentary democracy. His contribution to the political life of the region and his connection to the defense of autonomy deserve the recognition and respect of all Azoreans”, said Luís Garcia, quoted in a statement.

Born in the parish of São Sebastião on Terceira Island, Dionysio Sousa graduated in philosophy and was a secondary school teacher.

He was a member of the Legislative Assembly between 1980 and 2004 and held the presidency of the parliamentary group of the PS between 1982 and 1992.

In 1996, he became the first socialist deputy to take over the presidency of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, which he held until 1998.

Dionysius Sousa was also president of the PS Azores and integrated several party bodies at regional and national level, having actively participated in the local life of Angra do Heroísmo.

It was also highlighted by the publication of articles in newspapers and works dedicated to the history and evolution of autonomy.

In 2014, he published “Axis sobre a Autonomia” and, in 2017, “Autonomia – 40 Years: Omens and Perspectives”, which he wrote with the former presidents of the Legislative Assembly Álvaro Monjardino and José Guilherme Reis Leite.

He received the Grand Cross of the Order of Infante D. Henrique in 2001 and the Autonomic Insignia of Valor in 2006.

In a statement, the president of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores expressed his regret and expressed condolences to the family and friends of Dionysius Sousa.

“Remembering those who were at the service of the democratic institutions in the region is also to preserve the memory of our autonomy and recognize the contribution of the different generations that helped build the path that we are going on today,” he said.

Also the president of the PS/Azores, Francisco César, expressed his sorrow, highlighting the contribution of the former leader to the affirmation of autonomy and to the history of Azorean socialism.

“It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the death of Dionysius Mendes de Sousa, an indispensable figure in the history of the Socialist Party and Azorean democratic life, who dedicated much of his life to public service and the defense of our autonomy,” he said, quoted in a statement.

Francisco César stressed that Dionysius Sousa belonged to a generation of socialists who “helped to build and consolidate” autonomic democracy, adding that his path “is an example of dedication to the public cause, of commitment to socialist values and service to the Azores”.

“The Socialist Party loses one of the figures that helped write its history and the Azores lose a defender of democracy and autonomy. His legacy will remain in the memory of all those who believe in public service as a way to build a better region,” he said.

The president of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, also expressed his regret, highlighting the public service route of Dionysio Sousa and the contribution made to democratic institutions and Azorean autonomy.

“Autonomy is also built through the commitment and sense of responsibility of those who, over generations, served the Azores and its democratic institutions. Dionysio Mendes de Sousa is part of this history of public service, deserving, at this moment of regret, our recognition and respect ", said, quoted in a statement.