Cabo Verde's State of the Nation: Beyond GDP Growth, Focus on Living Conditions
Zilda Oliveira, a Member of Parliament for UCID, stated in a press conference in São Vicente that the State of the Nation in Cabo Verde should not be solely evaluated by GDP growth. Instead, the focus should be on the population's living conditions. Oliveira emphasized that Cabo Verde's development requires a cross-cutting and coordinated approach across various sectors, including housing, education, transportation, health, and employment, to effectively address families' real needs. She advocated for state policies over mere government policies, stressing that sustainable development necessitates continuity, stability, and the preservation of successful initiatives, always prioritizing national interests above partisan ones.
While acknowledging the country's progress, UCID rejects the notion that macroeconomic indicators mask the daily struggles of many Cabo Verdean families. The party calls for the establishment of state policies, rather than those limited to government cycles, to build lasting consensus on national challenges. This involves state pacts engaging political forces and civil society to agree on long-term structural reforms in strategic areas like the economy, education, health, security, and transportation. UCID recognizes economic advancements but highlights persistent structural issues such as poverty, regional inequalities, private sector fragility, labor market difficulties, and inter-island connectivity problems. The party believes the State of the Nation debate should offer concrete solutions to improve the lives of Cabo Verdeans.
The UCID's call to broaden the assessment of Cabo Verde's national progress beyond GDP highlights a common tension between macroeconomic performance and the lived realities of citizens. This perspective suggests that policy effectiveness is best measured by its tangible impact on living standards, requiring integrated, long-term strategies. The emphasis on 'state policies' over 'government policies' points to a desire for systemic stability and continuity, aiming to insulate development initiatives from partisan shifts. This approach seeks to foster durable national consensus on critical reforms, acknowledging that sustainable development necessitates a shared vision that transcends electoral cycles. The party's recognition of persistent structural challenges, despite economic gains, underscores the complexity of achieving inclusive and equitable growth in island nations facing unique vulnerabilities.
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