Cape Verde PM Seeks Third Term: Vows ‘High-Income’ Future
PRAIA, Cape Verde — Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva has officially launched his bid for a third consecutive term, positioning himself as a steady hand who guided the archipelago through a decade of global upheaval. Economic recovery and crisis management are the cornerstones of his campaign as he seeks to lead the Movement for Democracy (MpD) to another victory in the upcoming elections.
In an exclusive interview with Lusa, the 63-year-old leader emphasized that his administration’s priority remains protecting citizens in an increasingly volatile world. “The first priority is to continue protecting Cape Verdeans in contexts that are still very difficult,” Silva said, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the lingering effects of the war in Ukraine as major external pressures.
From Recovery to “High-Income” Status
Silva’s pitch to voters rests on a track record of navigating “storms,” including the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring global inflation, and localized droughts. Following the World Bank’s 2025 upgrade of Cape Verde to an “upper-middle-income” nation, Silva has set a bold new target: reaching “high-income country” status.
He insists this is not a mere title. “It means higher disposable income for families,” Silva explained. To achieve this, he plans to leverage fiscal tools to lower the cost of living. The government is already moving to slash VAT on electricity and water from 8% down to 6%, following a previous reduction from 15%.
Economic Diversification and Tourism
While acknowledging the country’s heavy reliance on tourism, Silva argued that diversification is happening organically through the maritime and digital sectors. He highlighted the “Global Gateway” investment package with the European Union as a critical engine for this transition.
Addressing concerns about the housing crisis—driven by the conversion of residential properties into tourist rentals—Silva promised fiscal measures to boost housing supply. He also defended the privatization of state assets, citing the concession of airports to the French firm Vinci as a success that has modernized infrastructure and expanded international flight routes.
Tackling Domestic Infrastructure and Brain Drain
Despite the optimistic economic outlook, the Prime Minister faces criticism over domestic infrastructure. The past year saw a two-month electricity crisis in the capital, Praia, and persistent issues with inter-island transport. Silva dismissed these as “contingencies” that his government has already begun to resolve, promising a surge in new planes and boats by June to connect the more remote islands.
On the sensitive issue of emigration, Silva brushed off “dramatic” interpretations of the trend. While acknowledging the loss of skilled workers to higher-paying countries, he insisted mobility is natural. “We must continue to create conditions to retain the population and ensure that those who leave have open doors to return,” he said, noting that many Cape Verdeans are beginning to come home as the economy grows.
A Battle Against “Populism”
The political stakes are high as Silva faces his main challenger, Francisco Carvalho, the Mayor of Praia and leader of the opposition PAICV. Silva struck a sharp tone against his opponent, labeling him a threat to the nation’s democratic stability.
“He doesn’t let anyone sleep soundly regarding democracy,” Silva claimed, accusing Carvalho of using “populist” tactics and “selling easy fixes” that could erode social cohesion. “Cape Verde’s stability is a greater good; it is necessary that it does not become fertile ground for populism.”
Ulisses Correia e Silva has been at the helm of Cape Verde’s government since 2016. A veteran manager and former Finance Minister, he leads a party that currently holds an absolute majority in parliament. As he seeks a third term, the central question for voters will be whether his vision of “continuous consolidation” is enough to outweigh frustrations over domestic service delivery.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
