Tidjane Thiam Renounces French Citizenship to Contend for Ivory Coast Presidency
Tidjane Thiam has renounced his French citizenship to run for president in Ivory Coast. As the head of PDCI, he is a leading candidate for the election scheduled in October. Thiam emphasizes his commitment to improving conditions for Ivorians, amidst a backdrop of significant political competition, including a potential fourth term for President Ouattara.
Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, has formally renounced his French citizenship to qualify for the Ivory Coast presidential elections scheduled for October. As the leader of the opposition party PDCI, Thiam stands as a likely candidate, competing against other notable figures such as former trade minister Jean-Louis Billon. Through a video announcement on Facebook, Thiam expressed his commitment to advocating for improved living conditions for the Ivorian people and solidifying his exclusive Ivorian nationality in preparation for the election.
Tidjane Thiam, who previously served as a minister in Ivory Coast, gained international recognition through various leadership roles in global finance, including his tenure at Credit Suisse. After a military coup in 1999 that ousted the former president Henri Konan Bedie, Thiam left the country but later returned to political involvement, assuming leadership of PDCI, a historical party of Ivory Coast. The political landscape remains turbulent, especially with incumbent President Alassane Ouattara aiming for a fourth term amid potential opposition resistance.
In conclusion, Tidjane Thiam’s withdrawal from French citizenship marks a strategic step in his pursuit of the presidency in Ivory Coast. By leading the PDCI party and reaffirming his commitment to effecting positive change, he positions himself as a significant contender in the upcoming elections. The political dynamics will continue to evolve as opposition figures prepare to challenge in a setting marked by prior electoral contests.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
