MEP João Oliveira accuses European Commission of forcing the privatisation of Azores Airlines

João Oliveira, a PCP Member of the European Parliament, has questioned Brussels regarding the European Commission's pressure to privatise Azores Airlines. The MEP highlights the critical need for regular air links between the Azores and mainland Portugal, noting that Ryanair recently ceased operations there after being denied increased public subsidies. Oliveira expresses concern that TAP might stop flying to the Azores following the privatisation, despite government assurances that routes would be maintained. He criticises the potential impact of the sale, questions the European Commission's aggressive stance, and demands to know how social and territorial cohesion will be safeguarded.