Tidjane Thiam has renounced his French citizenship to run in the Ivory Coast presidential election. He is the new leader of the PDCI, facing potential challenge from Jean-Louis Billon for the nomination. Thiam aims to drive change in the country to enhance living conditions for Ivorians. President Ouattara expresses interest in seeking a fourth term amidst opposition scrutiny.
Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, has surrendered his French citizenship to qualify for the upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast scheduled for October. As the newly elected leader of the PDCI, one of the nation’s primary opposition parties, his candidacy appears imminent. However, the nomination’s competition intensifies as former trade minister Jean-Louis Billon has also expressed his intention to run for the party’s endorsement.
In a recent Facebook video statement, Mr. Thiam communicated his decision to relinquish his French passport, enabling him to maintain Ivorian nationality solely as he approaches the election. He emphasized his commitment to effecting substantial transformation in Ivory Coast, particularly regarding the improvement of living conditions for its citizens, stating, “I hereby renew my commitment to working for real change in Ivory Coast, so that the living conditions of Ivorians improve. That’s what we’re fighting for.”
Mr. Thiam, aged 62, has a background in government, having served as a minister under former President Henri Konan Bedie. After leaving Ivory Coast in the wake of Bedie’s 1999 ousting by a military coup, he advanced his career in various prestigious firms, including McKinsey, Aviva, and Prudential, before becoming the CEO of Credit Suisse in 2015. He has since returned to contest the leadership of the PDCI, the party established by Ivory Coast’s first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Meanwhile, President Alassane Ouattara, who is 83 years old, has indicated his desire to seek a fourth term, a move which is likely to provoke opposition from various parties. The political climate is tense, as the opposition previously contested his eligibility to seek a third term during the last election in 2020.
Tidjane Thiam’s renunciation of his French citizenship is a pivotal step as he positions himself for a presidential run in Ivory Coast. Elected as the leader of PDCI in 2023, he faces competition for candidacy, notably from Jean-Louis Billon. His background includes substantial experience in government and finance, and he seeks to harness this to bring about change in the country’s governance and socioeconomic conditions.
In summary, Tidjane Thiam’s decision to give up his French citizenship signifies his intent to effectively participate in the Ivorian presidential election. While he gears up as a formidable candidate for the PDCI party, he must contend with opposition from rivals such as Jean-Louis Billon, as well as the ongoing aspirations of President Ouattara for another term. Thiam’s commitment to improving conditions in Ivory Coast resonates strongly within his campaign.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
