The government of Cabo Verde is taking steps to promote a culture of governance that values proximity and inclusivity. According to a recent opinion piece by Estêvão Rodrigues, the Minister of Finance has been engaging with various ministries and units of budgetary expenditure to ensure a cohesive approach to governance. This effort is part of a broader strategy to promote dialogue and consultation between the government and different stakeholders, including municipal leaders and citizens.
The country's 22 municipalities, seven of which are currently led by opposition parties, present a unique challenge to the government's efforts to promote inclusivity. However, recent meetings between the Prime Minister and municipal leaders have shown promise, with the President of the São Vicente Municipal Chamber expressing satisfaction with the government's willingness to listen and collaborate. This new approach to governance is seen as a positive development, particularly in a country with a history of limited citizen participation in decision-making processes.
A key aspect of this new approach is the regular communication of ministries on ongoing and planned interventions, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. The government has also been working to establish mechanisms for citizen participation, including public consultations and digital channels for feedback and suggestions. According to Sherry R. Arnstein, a leading expert on citizen participation, true participation requires that citizens have a real say in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
The concept of "Cabo Verde para todos" (Cabo Verde for all) has been put forward as a guiding principle for the government's efforts to promote inclusivity. However, this concept must be accompanied by a reciprocal commitment from citizens to contribute to the country's development. The government's efforts to promote participation and transparency are seen as essential to building trust and fostering a sense of ownership among citizens.
The preparation of the 2027 State Budget offers an opportunity for the government to put its commitment to inclusivity into practice. The needs and priorities of municipalities, economic and social sectors, and communities will be taken into account, within the limits of the country's financial resources. The government aims to establish priorities with transparency, explain its choices, and acknowledge existing limitations.
To ensure the success of this approach, the government plans to establish permanent mechanisms for participation, including public consultations, digital channels, and greater involvement of civil society organizations, universities, and businesses. A Citizen's Budget, presented in simple and accessible language, will also be introduced to promote transparency and accountability.
Ultimately, the success of Cabo Verde's efforts to promote inclusive governance will depend on the active engagement of citizens. The government must be willing to listen and respond to citizen concerns, while citizens must be willing to contribute to the country's development through their participation and engagement. The goal is to create a more transparent, participatory, and effective governance model that benefits all citizens.
Key points
- The government of Cabo Verde is promoting a culture of dialogue and participation to foster a more inclusive and transparent governance model.
- The concept of "Cabo Verde para todos" (Cabo Verde for all) aims to ensure that all citizens have a say in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
- The government's efforts to promote participation and transparency are seen as essential to building trust and fostering a sense of ownership among citizens.
