On October 15, 2025, the President-elect, Dr Patrick Herminie and Vice President-elect, Sébastien Pillay, held their first official press conference at the Maison du Peuple, ten days ahead of their inauguration scheduled for October 26 to be held at the Stade Linité, during a public ceremony. Facing the press, the new executive duo outlined their vision for governance, centred on the fight against corruption, integrity in public service, and economic policy changes aimed at making the state more transparent and equitable.
In a speech marked by determination, Dr Herminie openly denounced the multiple forms of corruption plaguing the Seychellois public administration. “We have corruption at every level of government. At the very top, but also what we call petty corruption, where some people demand money to speed up a file or to avoid a fine. All of this must disappear if we are to build a just and respected nation,” he declared.
The president-elect emphasised the need for a cultural shift within the public service, affirming that “everyone will be treated equally, without exception or political privilege.” Asked about the composition of his future Cabinet, Dr Herminie hinted at a team “renewed both in substance and in form.” He explained, “We want a government based on integrity, competence, and merit. Our goal is not to reward political loyalty but to serve the nation with women and men capable of delivering real results.”
Continuing the economic reforms advocated by United Seychelles, Dr Herminie highlighted the mismanagement of the Pension Fund and the need to rebuild the retirement system. Key measures include reclaiming the 22% stake in Nouvobanq, estimated to generate SCR 100 million annually in dividends. Extending the pension scheme to foreign workers under GOP permits, inspired by the Malaysian model, and introducing a “triple lock” mechanism to ensure pensions rise each year in line with local economic performance. He also set an ambitious target: raising the minimum pension to SCR 10,000 by the end of his first five-year term in office. “The pension fund must once again become a solid pillar for our citizens. It is not a political cash box but a collective asset,” Herminie stressed.
The president-elect and his vice president also underscored the need to close tax loopholes and restore financial discipline in state management. According to United Seychelles, nearly SCR 480 million is lost annually due to VAT fraud and transfer pricing manipulations within the tourism and commercial sectors. “We must be fair but firm. The people’s money must serve the people, not vanish into opaque circuits,” added Sébastien Pillay, who praised “the economic courage” of the reform program proposed by the party.
Ten days before taking the oath of office, Dr Herminie and Sébastien Pillay are determined to mark a clear break from past practices. Their message is simple: integrity, transparency, and fairness. “We are entering a new era. A nation is not built on promises alone, but on actions. We will prove that good governance is not a slogan but a daily practice,” concluded the president-elect.
The inauguration ceremony of Dr Patrick Herminie and Mr Sébastien Pillay will take place on October 26, 2025, at Stade Linité. The event will be open to the public and will officially mark the beginning of a new political chapter for Seychelles.
