Cape Verde marks the 35th anniversary of Freedom and Democracy on January 13th, a date that transcends commemorative symbolism to affirm a unique political journey within the African and global context.

Three and a half decades after the consolidation of the democratic regime, the archipelago presents itself as one of the most consistent examples of institutional continuity, peaceful alternation of power, and deeply rooted civic culture, on a continent where democracy remains, in many cases, fragile and reversible.

The official celebrations, promoted by the Government and the Presidency of the Republic over the course of a week, reflect this democratic maturity. They are not limited to protocol acts, but open space for critical reflection, intergenerational debate, and the appreciation of collective memory.

Monuments, festivals, academic conferences, historical exhibitions, and initiatives aimed at youth and the Diaspora make up a program that emphasizes democracy as a living practice and not as a closed conquest.

This moment also coincides with a favorable international perception of Cape Verde's position as a stable, predictable, and attractive state for investment, in a delicate balance between structural limitations and consistent governance.

Cape Verdean democracy thus emerges not only as a political value, but also as an economic and social pillar. Throughout this article, we explore the significance of these 35 years, the commemorative initiatives, the role of youth and the Diaspora, as well as how political stability extends beyond the institutional sphere, influencing the economy, investment, and the country's external image.

---

The celebrations marking 35 years of Freedom and Democracy in Cape Verde were conceived as an exercise in active memory. The opening, with the inauguration of the Monument to Freedom and Democracy in Achada Grande Frente, in the city of Praia, symbolizes the physical inscription of democracy in the public space, transforming it into a visible and shared heritage.

The presence of Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and various national and international entities reinforced the institutional character of the moment, but the program quickly expanded beyond the official ritual.

The Cape Verdean capital hosted keynote lectures at various universities, international conferences, and exhibitions depicting the democratic journey since the transition to a multi-party system in 1991.

The conference “The Book in a Democratic Society” and the 35th-anniversary commemorative exhibition allowed democracy to be framed not only as a political system, but also as a cultural, educational, and civic ecosystem. One of the central themes of the celebrations was critical reflection.

Far from being a self-satisfied interpretation, the Government has acknowledged the need to promote spaces for debate on the current challenges facing Cape Verdean democracy, in a world marked by misinformation, the alienation of young people from formal politics, and the erosion of trust in institutions.

The panel dedicated to the theme "The construction of Cape Verdean democracy: current challenges and the role of youth" reflected this concern, placing the new generations at the center of the democratic equation.

By embracing democracy as an ongoing process, Cape Verde reaffirms a political culture that prioritizes citizen participation, freedom of expression, and the democratic rule of law. It is this normalization of democracy, made commonplace, that largely explains the stability achieved over 35 years.

---

As part of today's commemorations, the Monument to Democracy and Freedom in Cape Verde was inaugurated, marking 35 years since the first multi-party elections.

Built at the Achada Grande Frente roundabout, which also provides access to Amílcar Cabral Airport in Praia, the monument marks more than three decades of a political journey characterized by freedom, pluralism, and civic participation. These pillars have consolidated the country as a democratic reference in Africa and the world.

The Monument stands as a living symbol of the collective courage of a people who, in 1991, chose the path of democratic alternation through free and sovereign suffrage. Since then, Cape Verde has consistently affirmed the maturity of its institutions, political stability, and respect for the rule of law, basing national development on popular legitimacy.

Located in the nation's capital, the Monument is not only a tribute to the past; it is also a commitment to the future. It represents the memory of those who fought for democratic opening and calls upon new generations to protect and deepen the achievements attained.

In their presence, the conviction is reaffirmed that democracy is an ongoing process that is strengthened through participation, dialogue, and responsibility. The inauguration ceremony brings together institutional figures, representatives of civil society, and citizens, in a moment of celebration and reflection on the path traveled and the challenges ahead.

In a world marked by uncertainties, Cape Verde reaffirms its firm commitment to democracy, peace, and freedom. Prior to the inauguration, Parliament will meet in a solemn session commemorating the date, featuring speeches from representatives of all parties with parliamentary seats, as well as communications from the Presidents of the National Assembly and the Head of State.

---

The 15th Republic Week, integrated into the celebrations of 35 years of democracy, introduced a particularly revealing element: the explicit focus on Generation Z and the renewal of civic languages.

Under the motto "Cape Verde: new voices, new paths," the President of the Republic sought to emphasize that democratic continuity depends on the ability to listen to, integrate, and value the expectations of younger generations. The "Open Doors" initiative, which allowed public visits to the Presidential Palace, took on a strong symbolic character.

By opening up a space historically reserved for power, the State reinforces the idea of ​​institutional proximity and citizen belonging. The guided tour, conducted by staff From the Presidency, he transformed republican memory into an accessible pedagogical tool.

The program extended to Praia and Mindelo, with master classes, meetings with young people, and debates on the Constitution, participatory rights, and the future of citizenship.

The presentation of the fourth volume of the work "In the Office of the Common Good" and the facsimile "When the Republic is Born" reinforced the link between historical memory and present responsibility, in a gesture of documentary preservation that resonates with the Fiftieth Anniversary of National Independence.

The Cape Verdean Diaspora also occupied a central place. Commemorative activities in Dakar, Lisbon and Brockton recognized the decisive role of emigrant communities in the affirmation of democracy, the economy and the international projection of the country.

This transnational connection reinforces the idea of ​​a citizenship that transcends physical borders, but maintains strong political and cultural ties. By placing youth and the Diaspora at the center of the celebrations, Cape Verde demonstrates an understanding that political stability is not automatically inherited. It is built through inclusion, civic education, and the constant renewal of the social contract.

---

International analysis of Cape Verde reinforces the direct link between political stability and economic performance. According to an analysis by the consultancy In On Africa, the archipelago presents itself as one of the most stable countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite its scarcity of natural resources and geographical limitations.

Paradoxically, the accumulated experience in managing limited resources has become a factor of credibility. The report underlines that Cape Verde occupies the third position among the most economically liberal countries in the region, benefiting from policies open to trade and investment.

Tourism remains the main economic driver, complemented by fishing and increasing investments in infrastructure and energy modernization. The goal of achieving 50% of electricity production from renewable sources by 2030 demonstrates a strategic vision aligned with climate change and sustainability.

Clear challenges persist: high logistics costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and limited arable land. Nevertheless, simplified processes for opening businesses, strategic infrastructure, and access to the ECOWAS market position Cape Verde as a connecting platform between the European Union and West Africa.

In this context, democracy emerges as a structuring economic factor. Institutional predictability, the peaceful alternation of power, and respect for the rules reduce political risk and make the country attractive to investors who prioritize short- and medium-term stability. The possibility of citizenship through investment, with defined minimum values, fits into this logic of controlled openness.