STP News: Incoming PM proposes govt drawn from his MLSTP, PCD ally
Sao Tome, June 16 (Lusa) - Rafael Branco, leader of Sao Tome and Principe’s main opposition MLSTP and incoming prime minister, has proposed to President Fradique de Menezes that the islands’ new executive is drawn from the MLSTP and smaller PCD.
President de Menezes asked Branco’s MLSTP last week to select a new cabinet to end weeks of political uncertainty following the collapse last month of a 90-day, four-way coalition led by former prime minister Patrice Trovoada.
With Rafael Branco at the helm, key portfolios like defense, foreign affairs, justice and finance will go to MLSTP lawmakers. The PCD will send at least three ministers to the nine-member cabinet, according to official documents seen by Lusa.
The MLSTP, Sao Tome’s second largest parliamentary force after the former ruling MDFM, joined forces with its new cabinet ally, the PCD, May 20 to defeat the government in a no-confidence vote. The PCD had earlier ruled in coalition with the MDFM following Sao Tome’s last legislative polls.
In talks last week between Sao Tome’s four main parties, the MDFM, MLSTP, PCD and ADI of Patrice Trovoada, the MLSTP and PCD were the only parties to insist on the appointment of a new government without resort to early polls.
President de Menezes says Sao Tome lacks sufficient funds to stage early elections and the incoming executive will now attempt to govern until scheduled polls in 2010.
The new government now awaits presidential blessing, expected within coming days, before it takes office. In an interview Monday with Lusa, Rafael Branco said his executive’s priorities will be to satisfy islanders’ needs in the areas of food, energy, water and infrastructures.
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