Tidjane Thiam Renounces French Citizenship to Compete in Ivorian Election
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Tidjane Thiam renounces French citizenship to qualify for the Ivory Coast presidential election. As leader of PDCI and a potential candidate, he emphasizes the need for change in the country. His political return follows a notable career, while President Ouattara’s desire for a fourth term complicates the political landscape.
Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, has formally renounced his French citizenship in order to comply with eligibility requirements for the upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast, set for October. Thiam, who became the leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) in 2023, is a strong contender for the nomination amidst competition from former trade minister Jean-Louis Billon.
In a statement released via Facebook, Thiam expressed his commitment to achieving substantial change for the people of Ivory Coast, 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.” Thiam, 62, previously served as a minister in Ivory Coast before his departure following a military coup in 1999, later holding prominent positions in several international firms before returning to politics.
Thiam’s return comes as the political landscape in Ivory Coast remains contentious, particularly with President Alassane Ouattara expressing his desire to seek a fourth term. This intention may provoke opposition from various political factions that challenge his right to continue serving following controversies over his third-term candidacy in 2020.
Tidjane Thiam’s recent decision to renounce his French citizenship is a significant move in the context of his candidacy for the presidency of Ivory Coast. Having served as the leader of PDCI, one of the main opposition parties, Thiam is at the center of Ivorian politics, especially as the country approaches its elections. His political career has been influenced by both his ministerial experiences and educational background in international finance, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of governance and economic management.
In summary, Tidjane Thiam’s renunciation of his French citizenship positions him as a formidable candidate for the Ivorian presidency, aiming to facilitate real change for his country. His leadership role in PDCI highlights his commitment to improving the lives of Ivoirians, although he faces competition in the forthcoming election. With President Ouattara’s potential bid for a fourth term, the political dynamics in Ivory Coast promise to be complex and competitive.
Original Source: www.usnews.com