Catholic Bishop in Cape Verde Denounces Extravagance in Government, Wants Needs of the Poor Prioritized

“We must invest in culture, but we should also ask if we could reduce government spending. There are significant expenses on representation and other areas, yet so many people are in desperate need,” the Portuguese-born Catholic Bishop says.

Nearly 50 years after Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal, social inequalities remain stark, the Catholic Bishop lamented.

The 60-year-old Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Mindelo Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in April 2011 criticized disparities in wages, pointing out that while some individuals receive “exorbitant salaries”, others earn “miserable wages” that he said are insufficient for basic living expenses, including inter-island travel.

“In the 21st century, many Cape Verdeans still live without electricity, running water, or a bathroom at home,” he said. 

Bishop dos Santos called on the government to take responsibility for the suffering of the people. 

“How can we accept that our fellow citizens, including children, continue to live in such conditions? We must do more than lament—we must bring hope and support,” he said.

Bishop dos Santos also faulted the country’s social inequality, insisting that investments should focus on essential services.

“Cape Verde faces a serious imbalance in social justice. There is no doubt about that. We need to invest in healthcare, security, and education,” he said.

Bishop dos Santos added, “Posting frustrations online is not enough—we need serious demonstrations to demand our rights.”