Africa-Press – Cape verde. On the eve of the start of the parliamentary year on Wednesday, some Cape Verdeans recognize the importance of the debates, but consider that they no longer reflect the real problems and ask that representatives set aside partisan interests.
“The issues brought to the parliament are of interest to the nation, but the debates often create the impression that representatives talk about things that don’t serve us and are more concerned with the interests of their parties,” João Melo, 41, unemployed, told Lusa.
According to him, “there is a constant dispute between parties that diverts the focus of the debate” and, in his opinion, alienates citizens.
Among the urgent issues, he proposes “power outages, water shortages, and air travel problems,” arguing that, if he were a representative, he would adopt a stance focused on the “interests of the people.”
“I would vote in favor when proposals and laws that truly serve the nation appear,” he emphasizes.
João Melho believes that trust in politicians “is shaken” due to the struggle and dispute over power and partisan interests. Fernando Martins, 64, a retiree, says he is “fed up with discussions that dwell on the past and don’t solve current problems” and points to structural issues such as health, education, housing, and security, noting that many state-owned houses are closed while people are homeless.
Ivanildo Carvalho, 37, a civil servant, reinforces the idea that the debates don’t always reflect national priorities.
“It’s more about personal or partisan interests. The country needs public policies that prevent young people from leaving due to a lack of opportunities and a Constitution that reflects the current reality,” he explains.
Furthermore, he draws attention to the issue of consensus among representatives for the election of external bodies whose terms should have already ended.
“Our Constitution also needs to be amended, because what we currently have doesn’t reflect the reality we live in,” he adds.
Jailson Martins, 29, a crafts vendor, complains about laws that have been passed but not enforced: “I hope they do a better job this time, with an impact on health, justice, employment, and sanitation. My message to the representatives would be to work more in the fields and speak less in parliament,” he says.
Lávia Moreira, 19, a student, believes that “the debate is just words.”
“We want to see action and promises fulfilled, for example, free hospital consultations and salaries that are in line with reality. We can all keep promises,” she explains.
Miriam Helena, 29, a vendor, admits that the debates solve some problems, but insists on the need to discuss concrete measures regarding violence: “Violence needs to be discussed to have greater security in the country.”
The first plenary session of October begins tomorrow with a debate with the Minister of Education, Amadeu Cruz.
The agenda also includes consideration and voting on proposed laws on inheritance arbitration, the code of administrative procedure, and an amendment to the law that created the Asset Recovery Office and the Asset Administration Office.
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