Cape Verde’s MpD demands government explain its "squandered economy"
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Expresso das Ilhas
The MpD, Cape Verde’s opposition party, is asking the Minister of the Economy to justify the government’s description of the economy as "squandered", while the IMF’s February 2026 report judges growth to be robust. The issue will be debated in Parliament on Wednesday at the initiative of the PAICV, according to Celso Ribeiro, quoted by Expresso das Ilhas.
The MpD, Cape Verde’s opposition party, is asking the Minister of the Economy to explain the government’s remarks describing the country’s situation as a "squandered" economy. The party points out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of February 2026 gives a positive assessment, citing robust growth, a solid banking system and well-capitalised companies. The question will be raised during Wednesday’s parliamentary debate, initiated by the PAICV, another opposition party.
The deputy leader of the MpD parliamentary group, Celso Ribeiro, presented this position at the end of his group’s parliamentary days, in preparation for the first plenary session of November. He notes that the government used the same macroeconomic context to present the 2026 amended State budget. "Strangely, a few days later, the Minister of the Economy and the Prime Minister say they found a squandered economy", he said. He wants the debate to clarify the situation and the planned measures: "We need responsible public policies, results and government accountability."
Celso Ribeiro also cited indicators said to reflect ten years of MpD governance: national wealth rising from 174 to 303 million contos between 2016 and 2026, employment from 194,000 to 213,000 people, unemployment from 12.4% to 6.2% and tourists from 569,000 to 1.2 million. Tax revenue is said to have risen from 30 to 106 million contos.
This exchange adds to the accusation of favouritism made by the MpD against the government on 28 October. On 19 October, the country had also considered cuts in public spending.
