President TALON's Inaugural Speech

HE Mr. Patrice Talon, the new President of the Republic of Benin, was sworn in on April 6 in Porto-Novo. Read his full inaugural speech.

Mr. President of the National Assembly,

Mr. President of the Constitutional Court,

Ladies and Presidents of the Constitutional Institutions

Madam Grand Chancellor of the National Order of Benin

Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Government,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Honorable Members of Parliament and Members of the Institutions of the Republic,

Distinguished Guests,

Men and Women of Benin, Dear Compatriots

At this solemn moment when I assume the office of President of the Republic, I would first like to express my deep feelings of pride in the fact that our country has successfully organized, in a peaceful atmosphere, a presidential election whose regularity and transparency are hailed by the international community and our people. Noting with you the exceptional journey that is ours, I would like to recognize and salute the democratic roots of Benin which thus proves, once again, its capacity to overcome the challenges that have always presented itself. However, on the economic and social level, as well as the enjoyment of individual freedoms, the state of affairs is hardly brilliant. The urgency is therefore political reforms, the restructuring of the national economy, the reconstruction of the social fabric by restoring confidence to our citizens and the restoration of the credibility of our country. Certainly, the task seems immense but it is not impossible if the actions to be undertaken are based on a clear vision as well as the skills and assets at our disposal. This is why I will make my unique mandate a moral requirement by exercising state power with dignity and simplicity. I will fulfill my duties as President of the Republic with humility, self-denial and sacrifice for the well-being of all. Regarding the nation, I will always keep in mind the conviction that it is one and indivisible, convinced that our country will only be strong if it remains united.

Dear compatriots,

I will strive every day to fulfill the commitments intended to make this term an instrument of change and transition, leading to the implementation of the major institutional political reforms we have all called for. To achieve this, I intend to reestablish a rule of law that respects democratic principles and individual freedoms and effectively ensures the protection of people and property. I commit to promoting an independent justice system that is equal for all, accessible, and efficient, as well as to revitalizing and modernizing the public administration. Competence will henceforth be the primary criterion for promoting executives to positions of responsibility. I will establish independent oversight bodies whose primary mission will be to ensure financial orthodoxy in all government departments, offices, and state-owned companies. I will strive to ensure and preserve press freedom and equitable access for all to public media outlets. I will ensure the protection of private initiative and the private sector as the primary tool for development. I will work to accelerate and strengthen the decentralization process by incorporating it into every action I undertake. I will make our democracy a true instrument of international cooperation, integration, and outreach, with a view to mobilizing resources for our country's development. I will work to reduce and then eradicate poverty by ensuring, from now on, the protection of the most disadvantaged and access for all to water and energy as inalienable rights and factors of development.

I will prioritize the reorganization of the health system to provide our citizens with more effective and inclusive health coverage. I will strive to rebuild the education system to ensure it is aligned with our country's economic ambitions. Along these lines, the restructuring of the National Education Council and the creation of the Knowledge and Innovation Free Zone will constitute the main levers of government action in this sector. I will make tourism a true tool for creating wealth and jobs. On the agricultural front, I am convinced that through the reforms and changes to be implemented, as well as relevant investment, our country will be able to rise to the rank of regional agricultural powerhouse with significant production capacity in the crop production, livestock farming, and fishing sectors. Therefore, I intend to further promote two key agricultural sectors by investing massively in them in order to create true hubs of agricultural and industrial development.

Finally, I will make the fight against corruption a constant, daily battle that will not exhaust the tireless efforts of