Luísa Damião was speaking, on behalf of João Lourenço, president of the party, at the opening of the 1st seminar on ethics and the challenges of preventing and combating corruption in the Angolan context, promoted by the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
"We live in unique and new times in the history of our country that demand the continuous strengthening of institutions, changes in mentality and behavior, participation and commitment of all sectors of society", stressed the party leader, pointing out the importance of the reforms that are being implemented to reinforce "the trust of institutions, the state, citizens, national and international investors".
He also noted that the seminar takes place "in a special moment of patriotic exaltation and reaffirmation of national identity", two days after the commemoration of 46 years of Angolan independence and about a month before the VIII MPLA Congress, scheduled for December " a special month" in which the intention is to "reaffirm the leadership of comrade President João Lourenço", the only candidate for his succession.
The fight against corruption has been João Lourenço's main political banner since he came to power in September 2017, but the opposition and some sectors of civil society accuse the President of engaging in selective and targeted combat, especially towards the family of his predecessor, José Eduardo dos Santos, and his closest collaborators.
Luísa Damião quoted João Lourenço to reaffirm "the Angola of opportunities restricted to a few untouchables who could do anything" belongs to history and guaranteed that the "change in attitudes and behavior in relation to public affairs is irreversible".
He also stressed that public resources are sacred and "are to serve the people", as investment in education, health, employment and the promotion of growth depends on them, and that the most effective mechanism for preventing and combating corruption is the development of ethics within institutions.
For this reason, she continued, citizens are called to "mobilize around the moralization of society", the exercise of good practices, transparency and efficient management of public affairs, as well as the deepening of the democratic rule of law.
"We encourage the firm determination of President João Lourenço to continue the efforts to moralize institutions and that every Angolan participate in the fight to prevent and fight corruption.
MPLA deputy says days of impunity and corruption "are behind us"
MPLA vice president, Luísa Damião, said in Luanda that “the days of public impunity, corruption and nepotism are behind us”, encouraging president João Lourenço to continue with “the moralization of institutions.
