Cape Verdean PR warns of consequences of government failure

The President of the Republic of Cape Verde said this Thursday that the “apparent failure” of governments to respond to citizens’ demands is leading to phenomena such as populism in developed countries and military takeovers in poor countries.

José Maria Neves spoke in Lisbon at a meeting marking the 50th anniversary of 25 April 1974, attended by the heads of state of the former Portuguese colonies.

“At the dawn of the 21st century, signs are emerging that naturally cause great concern. There is a feeling that democracy is corroding, we are seeing effective retreat and strong threats,” he said.

According to José Maria Neves, “globalization has led to the impoverishment and compression of the middle class in developed countries, as well as increasing inequality between and within different countries.”

“On the other hand, there is an increase in social and political polarization (consensus becomes increasingly difficult) and a weakening of institutions that are important instruments of mediation between state and society and prominent participants in the formation of public policy,” he said.

And he added that there continues to be “an apparent failure of governments to respond to the complexity of political ecology and to the demands and demands of citizens and civil society.”

“If in developed countries this situation has contributed to the spread of populism, nationalism, xenophobia, racism, rejection of immigrants and fueled the crisis of political parties, the preaching of anti-politics and illiberalism, as well as negative theses, the spread of “fake news” and incitement to hatred in poor countries where institutions are weaker , led to constitutional violations and the seizure of power by the military,” he noted.

For the head of state and former prime minister of Cape Verde, “a certain disillusionment and degeneration of traditional political parties, policies and politicians is noticeable.”

“Voters are increasingly skeptical about the state of their democracies and question whether their governments were elected in a transparent manner,” he continued.

According to José Maria Neves, “the Carnation Revolution marked the beginning of a new era, in many ways corresponding to the dream of Amilcar Cabral, whose centenary [do nascimento] celebrated this year.”

“Once independence is achieved, the strongest and most special relations of friendship and cooperation must be built between these new countries and democratic Portugal. Fortunately, the clock of history has moved forward and a new era has opened, with mutual will, unfortunately, not very common in our time, the constant strengthening of relations.”

“Half a century after this fantastic historical event, we all have reasons for pride and comfort. The regime that oppressed us all has fallen and new sovereign states have been born,” he said.