Jose Maria Neves
President
Timeline
Born on the island of Santiago.
Led a nationalist youth organization during Cape Verde's transition to independence.
Became a member of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).
Began his first term as Prime Minister of Cape Verde.
Announced a new government with a female majority.
Succeeded as Prime Minister by Ulisses Correia e Silva.
Elected President of Cape Verde.
Awarded Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (Portugal).
Biography
José Maria Pereira Neves, born on 28 March 1960 on the island of Santiago, is a Cape Verdean politician. He currently serves as the President of Cape Verde, having been elected in the 2021 presidential election with 51.7% of the votes. Prior to his presidency, Neves held the position of Prime Minister of Cape Verde from 2001 to 2016. He is a prominent member of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). Beyond his political career, Neves is also an author, having published several books and news articles.
Early Life & Background
José Maria Neves was born on the island of Santiago in 1960. His interest in Cape Verdean politics emerged during his teenage years. In 1975, he led a nationalist youth organization, playing a role during the country's transition from Portuguese rule to independence and democracy.
Education
José Maria Neves pursued part of his higher education at the São Paulo School of Business Administration of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation in Brazil.
Political & Professional Career
Neves returned to Cape Verde in the 1980s, working as a clerk in state institutions. He served as coordinator of the Project Administrative and Reform and Modernization from 1987 to 1989, and director of the National Training Centre for Public Administration in 1988. From 1989 to 1998, he was a consultant in Human Resources Management. He joined the PAICV party in 1989 and later served as President of the Santa Catarina Town Council. Neves was Prime Minister of Cape Verde from 2001 to 2016, also holding the portfolio of Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2004. During his tenure, he established diplomatic relations with China and signed a "special treaty" with the EU. He was re-elected as Prime Minister in 2006 and 2011. In 2008, he announced a new government with a female majority. After the 2016 parliamentary elections, he was succeeded as Prime Minister. In 2021, he was elected President of Cape Verde.
Key Achievements & Legacy
Elected President of Cape Verde in the first round of the 2021 presidential election., Served as Prime Minister of Cape Verde for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2016., Established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China during his premiership., Led the first government in Cape Verde with a female majority in 2008., Authored several books and news articles on public administration and political science.