"Much is said and speculated about the purposes and ends of holding this extraordinary congress, as if our statutes did not admit this possibility, whenever necessary, when in fact it is not the first in the history of our party, but the VIII extraordinary", said the leader of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), when speaking at the opening of the Honor Council meeting.
According to João Lourenço, these speculations only demonstrate the importance that the party has in Angolan society, "leaving no one indifferent whenever we meet to analyze our internal life, and the political, economic and social situation in the country".
"We do this with the greatest openness possible, because we are not a clandestine organization", said João Lourenço, stressing that the decisions of party congresses are public and known to citizens, and in the case of a statutory congress, they have the duty to provide subsequent information to the competent State institutions, namely the Constitutional Court.
João Lourenço said that the meeting will address several issues, from the preparation of the party's extraordinary congress, which will take place in December this year, to the programming of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of national independence, among others.
The President of the Republic also said that the MPLA needs to reflect on its past of struggle and victories, but above all on the direction to follow in the future.
The MPLA leader highlighted the contribution "and total dedication" of the members of the Honor Council to achieving national independence, stressing that 2025 is close, when 50 years of independence will be celebrated.
According to the MPLA president, over the 50 years, Angolans have been able to consolidate this achievement of independence and national sovereignty, "open the country to multi-party democracy, the market economy, make peace and national reconciliation between brothers, children of the same mother, Angola".
João Lourenço highlighted that today's challenges are the need to strengthen the economy to guarantee a greater supply of essential consumer goods, public services, greater access to healthcare, education and teaching, greater availability of housing and employment.
Special attention is being given to agriculture, he said, adding that the Executive has been stimulating national production.
In addition to the program celebrating 50 years of national independence, information will also be presented on food security versus national production, with contributions from advisors on these matters.
The Honor Council is a consultative body of the MPLA president, in decisions of national importance, composed of 39 members.
