Cabo Verde's New Government Faces Scrutiny Over Power Concentration

Cabo Verde's recent political developments, including the formation of the XI Government, have raised concerns about a potential concentration of power. The author, Humberto Cardoso, writing for Expresso das Ilhas, points to several irregularities and unconventional practices that suggest a departure from democratic norms. These include perceived misinterpretations of legislative history, discrepancies in election results for parliamentary representatives, and the creation of new parliamentary roles that seem to consolidate influence. The swiftness of the government's appointment and swearing-in ceremony, followed by the President's use of non-constitutional terminology for the government, further fuels these concerns. This reluctance to use the term 'constitutional government' is seen as an indicator of discomfort with the liberal and constitutional underpinnings of Cabo Verdean democracy, potentially signaling a disregard for human rights and the principle that power must be exercised within constitutional and legal limits. The article highlights a worrying trend, mirroring populist tendencies seen elsewhere, where adherence to laws is perceived as contingent on political convenience, and judicial restraint is expected in the face of majority sentiment. The author urges vigilance against attempts by high-ranking officials and political parties to circumvent constitutional rules and procedures, especially when ideological loyalties appear to conflict with republican values. The composition of the new government, kept secret until the last moment and surprising many observers, suggests a strong cohesion around the leader, contrasting with perceived disunity within the opposition. The article notes that many new government members lack significant prior experience within the PAICV party, reinforcing an image of the leader as an 'outsider' who has taken control of a traditional party. The author emphasizes that the future trajectory will depend on the opposition's ability to overcome its weaknesses and on institutional resistance to any breaches of the separation of powers. The Prime Minister's dual role as Finance Minister is seen as a strategic move to centralize power, potentially indicating a desire to avoid rivals within the government. The author also speculates about the Prime Minister's continued influence over the capital's municipality, given his previous role and the appointment of former municipal collaborators to government positions. This period is characterized as exceptional for power centralization, possibly unparalleled in the Second Republic, even with the smallest parliamentary majority in Cabo Verde's democratic history. The President's potential bid for a second term, reliant on PAICV support, limits his capacity to counterbalance the government's power. The opposition, weakened by leadership changes and the transition out of power, is unlikely to effectively challenge the government's efforts to reshape external bodies like the Constitutional Court and the Attorney General's office. Despite the government's ambitious promises, including free services, the economic outlook is challenging due to global contractions in production, investment, and trade, which will inevitably impact Cabo Verde. The article concludes by warning against the pursuit of power control jeopardizing the nation's development prospects, a concern rooted in past experiences.