Cape Verde PM Submits Program & Confidence Motion
Cape Verdean Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho has officially submitted his government’s strategic program and a mandatory motion of confidence to the National Assembly, setting the stage for a high-stakes parliamentary showdown on July 17.
A ‘New Way of Governing’
Speaking after the submission of the documents on Wednesday, Carvalho emphasized a shift toward political accountability and transparency. He promised to be a “man of his word,” asserting that his administration would prioritize the fulfillment of campaign promises and ensure consistency between political rhetoric and executive action.
“We have properly identified specific measures and are working to ensure that the announcement of a measure coincides with its implementation,” Carvalho said. “This is a new way of governing that I want to emphasize.”
Trimming the ‘Fat’ and Budgetary Review
The Prime Minister also signaled a looming crackdown on government waste. He confirmed that the new executive is currently identifying “fat” within the public administration, though he declined to specify which departments or programs might face the axe. “When we implement cuts to the fat, we will present that fat,” he stated bluntly.
Regarding the nation’s finances, Carvalho noted that a supplementary budget remains a possibility. The decision will hinge on an ongoing audit of current expenditure levels. “We will analyze the level of expenditure already carried out and decide whether there is a need for a supplementary budget or not,” he explained.
Constitutional Mandate and Political Shift
The submission of these documents follows Article 197 of the Cape Verdean Constitution, which requires a new government to present its program for legislative scrutiny and request a vote of confidence within 15 days of taking office. The current administration officially took the reins on June 19.
This session marks a significant turning point in Cape Verdean politics. The African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) returned to power after the May 17 elections, securing an absolute majority with 37 of the 72 seats in parliament. The move ends a decade of rule by the Movement for Democracy (MpD), which now enters the opposition with 33 deputies. The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) holds the remaining two seats.
The July 17 debate will offer the public their first detailed look at the new government’s priorities and its plan to navigate the country’s economic and social challenges over the next term.
Image: Pexels – Jonas Horsch
