Cape Verde: MpD Slams Gov Over Cost-of-Living Crisis
The Movement for Democracy (MpD) concluded its 14th National Convention on Sunday with a sharp critique of the current administration’s economic performance. Party President Paulo Veiga used his closing address to demand urgent government intervention to alleviate the rising cost of living for Cape Verdean families.
A Call for Urgent Economic Action
Marking 100 days since the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) took power, Veiga acknowledged that while deep-seated issues cannot be solved overnight, a “worrying distance” has emerged between campaign promises and governing reality. Subverting the PAICV’s own slogan, he remarked, “After all, for this government, Cape Verde is not for everyone.”
While recognizing recent government efforts to cap butane gas prices, Veiga dismissed the measures as insufficient. He noted that the MpD has submitted concrete proposals aimed at supporting vulnerable families, subsidizing public transport, protecting essential goods, and mobilizing budgetary resources to cushion the blow of inflation.
“We are not asking for miracles,” Veiga stated. “We are asking for responses proportional to the difficulties the people are facing.”
Budget Scrutiny and Policy Gaps
As the country prepares for the 2027 State Budget debate in parliament, Veiga questioned how the government plans to reconcile rising personnel expenses with its campaign pledge to reduce state “bloat.” He also flagged significant funding cuts in critical sectors, including energy sustainability, digital transformation, and agriculture.
The criticism comes just a week after Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho announced that the government is reviewing 2019 legislation to create more robust instruments for price stabilization and the protection of businesses and fisheries.
Unity and Reform Within the MpD
Beyond national policy, the convention served as a display of internal reorganization for the MpD, which recently transitioned to the opposition after a decade in power. In a move toward party unity, the convention saw an embrace between Veiga and his former leadership rivals, Hermínio Fernandes and Luís Filipe Tavares.
Key internal developments include:
- Creation of a Senate: A new 45-member advisory body will be headed by founding leader Carlos Veiga.
- Expansion of Leadership: The National Directorate has grown from 64 to 72 members to increase representation for municipalities and the Cape Verdean diaspora.
- Streamlined Political Commission: The National Political Commission will be reduced from 26 to 21 members to improve agility.
- New Appointments: Veiga announced Orlando Dias, Celso Ribeiro, and Isa Costa as three of the party’s six vice-presidents.
The convention delegates also overwhelmingly approved new governing bodies, with 214 out of 232 votes in favor, signaling a consolidated front as the party prepares for its new role as the primary check on the PAICV government.
Image: Pexels – Bence Szemerey
