Francisco Tavares, former mayor of the island of Brava, has the basic political smarts of a Hiace driver - Casimiro de Pina
Nova Sintra City, April 21, 2025 (Bravanews) - Lawyer and former presidential candidate Casimiro de Pina is known for making blunt comments directed at figures in Cape Verdean public life. The target this time was Francisco Tavares, former mayor of Brava
In a post already circulating on social media, Casimiro de Pina spared no criticism of the former mayor, referring to him as someone who "writes with a disability" and who possesses "that basic political cleverness of a Hiace driver". The phrase, laden with irony and disdain, is generating a strong public reaction, both in support and repudiation.
While the exact context of the statement is unclear, sources close to the opposition political circle indicate that Casimiro's words follow an exchange of barbs on social media, where Francisco Tavares allegedly defended positions considered "retrograde" by some commentators. Tavares, who is known for his disrespectful style and low-sounding positions, has already had disagreements with various public figures, ordinary citizens and even militants within his own party (MpD).
Casimiro, for his part, is known for adopting a critical and unfiltered stance. Since his candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic in 2021 - marked by intense speeches outside the traditional political pattern - the jurist has maintained a frequent presence in the public debate, often through opinionated posts on the networks.
Some people have already spoken out. Some consider Casimiro's words "strong and unnecessary", while others see them as a legitimate criticism of political practices that, they say, need renewal.
So far, Francisco Tavares has not made a public response to the statements. However, close sources who know the former mayor well guarantee that he will respond.
Casimiro de Pina remains one of the most controversial figures in the Cape Verdean public arena. Admired by some for his straightforwardness and legal intelligence, and criticized by others for his aggressive tone and sometimes strong language, the former presidential candidate doesn't seem to care about "pleasing everyone". As he himself once wrote: "The truth, even spoken harshly, is still the truth."
