RELATED PARTIES AND COMPANIES, by Napoleao Andrade
“Multipartyism” brought a new political reality to the country, marked by the plurality of ideas and the diversification of interests represented.
However, this plurality was also accompanied by a significant change in the economic system, with a strong emphasis on “privatization”. The creation of “private companies”, both national and foreign, not only redefined the role of the State in the economy, but also allowed members of governments to be directly involved in the creation and participation as “shareholders” of these companies.
Before “1990”, in the context of the “single party”, Party leaders were prevented from owning companies. The State was the sole “owner” and “administrator” of public companies, maintaining direct control over strategic sectors of the economy. However, with the arrival of political pluralism, there was a shift towards privatizing these assets. However, it is essential to emphasize that the leaders of the “PAICV” did not carry out privatizations during the process of democratic transition, from the era of single-party to multi-party rule.
Only after the change of government did the high-ranking MPD leaders promote a series of “privatizations” that affected large state-owned companies, inaugurating what became known as the “Fat Cow” period. These privatizations largely benefited groups close to power, transforming “friends and allies” of the government into big businessmen. This process consolidated a business class that today provides significant support to the MPD, especially in “electoral campaigns”, thus defending its economic and class interests.
It is undeniable that, in any democracy, “political parties” depend on a solid economic base to sustain their campaigns and projects. Both in Cape Verde and in other parts of the world, such as the United States, business classes ally themselves with certain parties, financing their campaigns and promoting their agendas. In the case of Cape Verde, the “MPD” has developed, over the last few decades, a “strong business class”, which has been consolidated based on the opportunities created by the privatizations that began in 1990.
However, this policy of strengthening an economic elite comes at a price. The “MPD” seems to be moving towards “enriching the richest”, while the poorest remain on the sidelines, deepening inequalities. In contrast, the “PAICV” advocates a policy of “social justice” and “income redistribution”, seeking a “fairer taxation” system and promoting opportunities for the poorest, with better access to the job market, “living wages” and a focus on “social welfare”.
The Cape Verdean people must view the “election campaign period” as a time for deep reflection. It is essential to analyze the past, the sacrifices made, the promises not fulfilled and the direction the country has taken. The “electoral decision” does not refer only to a five-year term, but can determine the future of the country for much longer. The path to be chosen must be one that promotes justice, equality and well-being for all, and not just for a privileged minority.
Napoleon Vieira de Andrade
