Cape Verde: Eurico Monteiro Named Interim Leader of MpD
The Movement for Democracy (MpD) has appointed Eurico Monteiro as its interim president following a significant political shift in Cape Verde. The move comes in the wake of the party’s defeat in the legislative elections held on May 17, which led to the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva.
A Leadership Transition
The MpD announced the appointment on social media following a high-level meeting. “The choice was made at the proposal of the members of the National Political Commission and with the approval of the National Direction,” the party stated. Monteiro is tasked with steering the party through a critical transition phase until a permanent leader is elected on September 6.
Monteiro is a seasoned figure in Cape Verdean politics. Most recently, he served as the Minister of Investment Promotion and Business Development, a role he assumed in February 2025. Prior to his cabinet position, he represented the nation as the Ambassador to Portugal.
A New Era in Opposition
This leadership change marks a turning point for the MpD, which is moving into the role of the parliamentary opposition after a decade of governing with an absolute majority. The political landscape of the archipelago shifted dramatically last month when the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) secured its own absolute majority.
On Wednesday, President José Maria Neves officially designated PAICV leader Francisco Carvalho as the new Prime Minister. As Carvalho prepares to take the helm of the government, the MpD faces the challenge of reorganizing its leadership and defining its new role within the National Assembly.
Image: Pexels – Jan van der Wolf
