New Cape Verde PM Francisco Carvalho Sworn In: ‘Work, Work, Work’
PRAIA, Cape Verde — Francisco Carvalho was officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Cape Verde on Wednesday, issuing a stern mandate to his new cabinet: produce immediate results and abandon the culture of political excuses.
A Government of Action
Speaking in the gardens of the Presidency of the Republic in Praia, Carvalho signaled a shift in political tone following the absolute majority win by his African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) in the May 17 elections. Standing alongside his newly appointed ministers, the Prime Minister emphasized that his administration will be defined by labor rather than rhetoric.
“The only way forward is to work, to keep our word, and to honor the commitments made to the Cape Verdean people,” Carvalho told the audience after being sworn in by President José Maria Neves. “The only way is to produce results, without excuses and without diversions.”
Addressing his cabinet directly, he added: “My colleagues, work is all that awaits us. Work, work, work.”
No Room for Justifications
Carvalho dismissed the idea that a lack of resources or difficult circumstances would serve as a defense for government inaction. “We are all children of this land; we know the reality and we knew what awaited us,” he stated. “There will be no room for justifications based on the lack of ideal conditions.”
The Prime Minister argued that this “results-first” approach is essential to restoring the public’s dwindling trust in the political establishment.
“Cape Verde for All”
Reclaiming his campaign slogan, “Cape Verde for All,” Carvalho pledged that “no Cape Verdean can be left behind.” His administration’s immediate priorities include guaranteeing basic needs while building structural foundations for the future. Key policy pillars mentioned during the ceremony include:
- Free access to healthcare and public university education.
- Expanded professional training programs.
- The creation of an affordable, accessible national transportation system.
Crucially, Carvalho addressed the “bleeding of young people” from the islands. He vowed to reverse the trend of mass emigration by fostering economic opportunities that allow the younger generation to thrive at home rather than seeking better lives abroad.
Consolidated Power
In a move to ensure his agenda remains on track, Carvalho confirmed he will personally hold the Finance portfolio. He told reporters after the ceremony that this dual role is necessary to “ensure that the major priorities remain the major priorities” and to keep the government’s spending strictly aligned with his campaign promises.
The inauguration was attended by national institutional leaders, the diplomatic corps, and members of the outgoing Movement for Democracy (MpD) government. Carvalho took a moment to express gratitude to his family and his political mentor, Janira Hopffer Almada—the former PAICV president and current president of the National Assembly—whose support during his 2020 mayoral run in Praia paved the way for his ascent to the premiership.
Image: Pexels – Ray Bilcliff
