Azores warn they have been losing 'fair compensation' for the use of Lajes Field

The Government of the Azores stated that the region has been losing out on fair compensation for the United States' use of Lajes Field, though it deemed it 'imprudent' to revise the bilateral agreement in the current international climate. During a parliamentary debate, Vice-President Artur Lima argued that the base should serve both international security and the development of the Azores, criticizing successive Portuguese governments for failing to defend the region's interests. While the Chega party pushed for an immediate review of the agreement to secure real benefits, other parties expressed varying views on the timing and necessity of renegotiation, amidst heightened tensions following recent military actions in the Middle East.