The first presentation of the Government’s Action Guidelines, following the formal consolidation of the Executive branch as the dominant structure over the Legislative branch, marks a political turning point in Macau. It is no longer merely a diffuse perception of hierarchy among the organs of sovereignty; it is now recognized, assumed, and integrated into institutional functioning. It was precisely in this context that the Legislative Assembly (AL) received the Chief Executive and the secretaries – not as a central stage, but almost as an extension.
The choice of André Cheong – former Secretary of Administration and Justice and a trusted figure within the Executive branch – to preside over the AL is not accidental. Rather, it represents the culmination of a process of political alignment that had been deepening and now finds full expression. The presence of someone from the heart of the Executive branch, with decades of proximity to the decision-making center, symbolizes the new nature of the AL: a house that continues to exist formally, but which has come to integrate, without reservation, a more vertical logic of governance.
This strengthening of the Executive branch can – and should – be interpreted as a test: of effective governance; Regarding effectiveness, decision-making, strategic vision, rigorous policies, and transparent responses to the real needs of society, this new institutional environment became evident in the discourse. Not only in its content but also in its form. The tone changed – and changed unequivocally. Where before there was space, however restricted, for reservations, today there is a constant cadence of praise for government policies. Deputies know that their role, increasingly, is to confirm priorities, validate directions, and reinforce the Administration’s message. And they did so, for the most part, without hesitation. Criticism turned into applause; questioning into deference; debate into echo.
Some see this realignment as a step backward – and there are arguments for that. Giving the Legislative branch a secondary role means less scrutiny, fewer voices, and less healthy confrontation of ideas. But it is also important to recognize the responsibility of the Executive branch. By assuming, without ambiguity, a central role in the political architecture, the Government has no excuses. You cannot attribute responsibility to institutional functioning, limitations of the legislative process, or the need for political compromises. Now, the failures will be yours; the choices; and the consequences.
That is why this strengthening of the Executive branch can – and should – be read as a test: for effective governance; for effectiveness, for decision-making; for strategic vision; for rigorous policies; and for responding, with transparency, to the real needs of society. If the Legislative branch is currently a secondary appendage, the bar is raised for those who govern. The centralization of power is only justified if it is accompanied by the centralization of responsibilities.
It is a new stage. Vertical, aligned; but potentially clearer in the allocation of responsibilities. The Executive leads; now you have to show that you know and deserve it.
*Editor-in-Chief of PLATAFORMA
