Maria das Neves

Maria das Neves, born on July eleventh, nineteen fifty-eight, is a prominent São Toméan politician and economist. She made history as the first woman to serve as the prime minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, holding office from two thousand two to two thousand four. Her tenure was marked by significant challenges, including an attempted coup in two thousand three, during which she was arrested by the coup's orchestrators.

Despite the turmoil, das Neves was persuaded by President Fradique de Menezes to remain in her position after the coup's resolution. However, her government faced dissolution in September two thousand four amid allegations of corruption. Following this, she continued her political career by serving in the National Assembly.

In addition to her political endeavors, das Neves has sought higher office, running unsuccessfully for the presidency in two thousand eleven, two thousand sixteen, and two thousand twenty-one. Her commitment to education and leadership was recognized when she was appointed rector of the Lusíada University of São Tomé and Príncipe in two thousand twenty-four.