Praia, Oct. 6, 2026 (Lusa) - The prime minister of Cabo Verde has said that the Government is reviewing the mechanisms set out in the 2019 legislation to protect the country from fluctuations in fuel prices.
«We are working on revising the mechanisms set out in the 2019 legislation so that the country has more effective tools to stabilise and protect households, transport, fisheries and businesses,» said Francisco Carvalho.
He added, «when circumstances change, the state must also be able to review its responses and take action».
The prime minister was speaking during a ceremony to present the government's review of its first 100 days in office on Monday.
Petrol and diesel prices rose by 12% in Cabo Verde on Thursday, and the leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD, opposition) called on the government the following day to reactivate a mechanism previously used by the former government to limit fuel price rises.
In his 100-day review, Francisco Carvalho reaffirmed his commitment to «putting people at the heart of decision-making», but said he had encountered «a more challenging reality than initially anticipated».
«Problems that have built up over years and are reflected in water and electricity shortages, in the poor condition of the roads – which put people at risk – and in the lack of social inclusion and economic development,» he said.
Among the measures introduced, he highlighted subsidies for nurseries and pre-school education, free higher education, the ‘Barraca Zero' programme to eliminate substandard housing, and the strengthening of water security through desalination projects in the city of Praia and in Calheta de São Miguel, as well as support for agriculture and fisheries.
«In healthcare, we have already begun a fundamental change: ensuring universal and free access to public healthcare by including it amongst the priorities of the proposed state budget for 2027,» he stated.
Looking beyond the first 100 days, Carvalho set the target for Cabo Verde's electricity supply to «reach 70% from renewable sources by 2031 and 100% by 2040».
He also said he was «rebuilding a fundamental relationship between the Government and the city councils», ensuring that no municipality «will be left behind».
«We must have the courage to say that governing does not mean promising that everything will be resolved quickly. It means setting priorities, making choices, mobilising resources, implementing, monitoring, correcting where necessary and being accountable,» he concluded.
The African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV), led by Francisco Carvalho, won the May general election with an absolute majority in parliament, and the new government took office in June.
Against a backdrop of global inflation, with rising fuel prices having an impact on the rest of the shopping basket, the new government has passed an amending budget and has already included €10.8 million in the 2027 draft budget to cope with further fluctuations.
Reduced fares for inter-island transport and free public healthcare and higher education are among the key measures promised by the government.
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