PAICV President wants to "rescue" Cape Verde in the 2026 legislative elections.

"The PAICV is called upon to intervene at this crucial moment to rescue Cape Verde, and we are here for that," to put the country "on the path to development, where there will be room for everyone: it is a process of inclusion," he told reporters during the opening meeting of the political and parliamentary year.

Addressing the audience in the National Auditorium, Francisco Carvalho stated that "the party that liberated the country," alluding to the colonial regime, "is now ready to liberate it again from the shackles of stagnation," in a criticism of the governance of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), in power since 2016.

The party's program's "backbone" is very direct, simple, and clear: we have proposals that meet the needs, expectations, and dreams of Cape Verdeans, framed within "five areas of action."

According to Francisco Carvalho, it is necessary to resolve the shortcomings in inter-island transport, guarantee free access to public universities and scholarships for private education so that "no young person is left behind," strengthen local government, create a "package for the diaspora and customs," valuing emigrants, and guarantee electricity for all.

The PAICV leader also considered it necessary to ensure "clear competitions" so that all Cape Verdeans "have access to top positions in public administration" and said that it is necessary to "stop the uncontrolled exodus of young professionals, talents who leave the country for an uncertain future, when they could be in Cape Verde, contributing to the country's development."

The foundations of the program stem from "listening to the people," he added, noting that "the focus is on people-centered management."

Francisco Carvalho intends to mobilize Cape Verde and the diaspora, "going beyond the limits of the party".

“We need all Cape Verdeans who are well-meaning and able to assess the country and who are aware that things are not going well (...), regardless of their political parties or affiliation,” he said, pointing to the blackouts that the capital experienced in September and October as an example of the degradation of essential services that generate “public signs” of discontent.

The PAICV national council will meet on Saturday and Sunday "focusing on preparing for the legislative elections" and will work "diligently" on a pre-defined timetable for the 2026 legislative elections, it was reported.

His re-election as mayor of Praia in December 2024 catapulted Francisco Carvalho to the leadership of the PAICV, a position he secured this year. In the upcoming legislative elections, he will face the current Prime Minister and leader of the MpD, Ulisses Correia e Silva, who is running for a third term as head of government.

C/Santiago Magazine