Jean-Louis Billon, former Trade Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, has formally declared his intention to lead the opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) in the upcoming October presidential election. This follows the exclusion of former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam from the final list of eligible candidates, a move that has reignited longstanding political tensions. In an interview in Abidjan, Billon criticised on June 9 party officials for poor handling of Thiam’s legal challenges and signalled openness to alternative political platforms if necessary. He lamented the internal disorganisation that led to Thiam’s disqualification and called on the PDCI to consolidate around his candidacy.
Thiam, who renounced his French citizenship in February to meet electoral requirements, was deemed ineligible due to holding dual nationality at the time of his registration. The court’s decision has fuelled debates about national identity and the credibility of Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic processes. These issues are particularly sensitive, given the nation’s volatile electoral history and civil conflict rooted in questions of nationality and belonging. With President Alassane Ouattara yet to confirm whether he will seek re-election, the political landscape remains uncertain, and Thiam’s exclusion has left a leadership vacuum within the opposition.
Billon, 60, proposes sweeping reforms should he be elected, including legislation to legalise dual nationality—citing the diaspora’s vital role in national development. He also promised to reduce the size of the civil service, tackle corruption, encourage private sector growth, and relocate more government institutions to Yamoussoukro to rebalance development. Declaring that the era of Côte d’Ivoire’s political elders must give way to new leadership, Billon positioned himself as a modern alternative ready to steer the country towards inclusivity, reform, and economic renewal.