Benin’s political landscape is witnessing sharp debate following the appointment of Romuald Wadagni as the presidential candidate for the 2026 election.
The move has drawn fierce criticism from the opposition, with Eugène Azatassou, vice-president of the Les Démocrates party, speaking out in an interview with RFI.
“With Wadagni, the inhumane social policy will continue.
With this choice, it is reassured that it is greater poverty that will be the order of the day,” Azatassou declared.
The opposition figure argues that the development programs and infrastructure initiatives regularly promoted by the outgoing government largely fail to benefit the wider population.
“Under pseudo infrastructure projects, it is the oligarchy, a minority that will enrich itself, reinforcing the misery of the people,” he added, sharply criticizing the administration’s economic priorities.
According to Azatassou, Wadagni’s candidacy signals the presidential camp’s political direction and consolidates its approach to governance.
“With this choice, the Beninese people now know what to expect,” he said, framing the candidacy as a continuation of the current administration’s policies rather than a departure from them.
The government presents Wadagni, currently Minister of Economy and Finance, as a figure of continuity and economic stability.
His supporters emphasize his experience in managing the country’s finances and his potential to guide Benin toward sustained growth.
However, the opposition plans to make these claims a central issue of its campaign, portraying Wadagni as emblematic of policies that, in their view, exacerbate social inequalities and deepen economic disparities.
This early confrontation sets the stage for a politically charged election season, with Benin’s citizens observing a growing divide between promises of economic progress and fears of entrenched inequality.
As both sides prepare for the months ahead, the discourse around social policy, poverty, and economic inclusion is likely to dominate debates leading up to the 2026 vote.
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