Parliament: PAICV Votes Against Scheduling a Proposal to Mitigate Rising Fuel Prices

The proposal presented by the parliamentary leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD, opposition), Luís Carlos Silva, called for, among other measures, a reduction in taxes on fuel and gas, the temporary suspension of the Road Maintenance Tax, direct support for taxi and minibus drivers through a freeze on fares, and the extension of protective measures to other products affected by rising costs.

In his explanation of vote, MpD Representative Abraão Vicente criticized the PAICV’s decision, arguing that the ruling party is demonstrating “insensitivity to the difficulties faced by Cape Verdeans.”

“Instead of renewing this resolution—a measure that a previous government had already taken—they decided to suspend discussion of this measure,” he stated, questioning why the PAICV does not intend to discuss the matter in parliament.

In response, PAICV Representative Rosa Rocha accused the MpD of not being “in the least concerned about the situation of Cape Verdeans” and argued that the government “is attuned to the concerns” of the population.

According to Rosa Rocha, the executive branch “will certainly take the necessary measures” to address the rising cost of living, in accordance with its responsibilities.

She also suggested that the initiative by the MpD’s parliamentary leader might have “an element of politicking” and be “a bid for airtime.”

For his part, UCID Representative João Santos Luís lamented the rejection of the proposal, arguing that the National Assembly is the appropriate forum for discussing issues that directly affect the population.

“Parliament represents the Cape Verdean people,” he stated, noting that the members of parliament “missed an excellent opportunity” to promote a debate on the cost of living and discuss measures that could support the government in the decisions it must make.

“It was a moment when we could have held this debate and allowed Cape Verdeans to see that parliament is committed to introducing measures to alleviate the high cost of living in Cape Verde,” he maintained.

The UCID lawmaker noted that rising fuel prices affect the cost of various goods and services in the country and called on political parties to set aside past differences and focus on current issues.

In response, the government, through the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Clóvis Silva, argued that there is a law establishing the parameters and circumstances under which it must implement mitigation measures; to do so, the law must first be amended.

Inforpress