Francisco Carvalho Sworn In as Cape Verde’s Prime Minister
President José Maria Neves inaugurated Francisco Carvalho as Cape Verde’s new Prime Minister today, solidifying a unique political tradition in the West African nation. Carvalho becomes the third consecutive head of government to rise to the premiership directly from the ranks of municipal leadership.
Carvalho, who served as the Mayor of Praia starting in 2020, saw his political stock soar after a landslide reelection in 2024. This momentum propelled him to the leadership of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) in May 2025, setting the stage for his successful run for the country’s top executive office.
A Path Paved by Local Governance
The transition from “Mayor to Prime Minister” has become a hallmark of Cape Verdean politics. Carvalho succeeds Ulisses Correia e Silva of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), who held the office since 2016 and was also a former Mayor of Praia. Before Silva, the current President José Maria Neves served 15 years as Prime Minister after governing the municipality of Santa Catarina.
The 55-year-old sociologist enters office with an absolute majority in the National Assembly. In the May 17 elections, the PAICV secured 48.04% of the vote (90,660 votes), edging out the MpD’s 44.75%. However, the victory was tempered by a record-high abstention rate of 53.5%, signaling a growing disconnect between the electorate and the political establishment.
The Man and His Mission
Born on the island of Fogo, Carvalho is a highly educated academic with a degree in sociology from the Nova University of Lisbon. His expertise in migrations and ethnic minorities has shaped much of his published research. In his campaign manifesto, titled “Cape Verde for Everyone,” he described himself as a member of the “democratic left” with a deep commitment to his homeland.
Janira Hopffer Almada, recently elected as the first female president of the National Assembly, praised Carvalho for his “admirable authenticity” and his rare ability to “see beyond the obvious.”
A Mandate Born of Conflict
Carvalho’s rise has not been without controversy. His predecessor, Ulisses Correia e Silva, frequently accused him of “populism” and a lack of respect for judicial institutions. These barbs stem from a 2025 investigation into the Praia Municipality during Carvalho’s tenure.
Carvalho countered these allegations by claiming he was the target of “politically motivated” institutional persecution. “I find it strange that people see the fulfillment of the Constitution of the Republic as a threat to democracy,” he told Lusa shortly before the election. Moving forward, Carvalho insists his primary challenge will be ensuring that the government stays “in tune with the needs of the population.”
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
