This year’s State of the Nation debate Seychelles drew significant attention as the two leaders in the National Assembly delivered their formal replies to President Patrick Herminie’s State of the Nation address on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
Opposition questions unity and governance
The Leader of the Opposition, Bernard Georges, spoke first. He said it was his 20th reply to a president’s State of the Nation address. He noted that the response coincided with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence.
Mr Georges said that, over five decades, the country had remained politically divided. He added that the situation persisted today. He questioned whether lessons had been learned over the past 50 years, particularly in light of the governing approach of the current administration.
Referring to the first 100 days of the United Seychelles administration, Mr Georges said people were living in fear, doubt and confusion. He described recent actions by President Herminie as divisive. He said they focused on reversing decisions made by the previous administration led by former president Wavel Ramakalawan.
Mr Georges said the peaceful transition of power after the last election had created an opportunity to promote unity. He added that this opportunity had not been taken.
He also said the state of Seychelles was critical. Referring to the campaign slogan “Trust the process”, Mr Georges said the process could not be trusted. He added that attempts to reverse the past five years could not erase history.
In his response, Mr Georges highlighted three principles of governance: continuity, stability and unity. He said these were lacking. He added that the government often takes decisions without consultation. Mr Georges cited past cases where the government later reversed its own decisions.
Mr Georges also accused the executive of failing to respect the separation of powers. He referred to the creation of a board of inquiry into a matter already before the judiciary.
The Leader of the Opposition further claimed that the country was returning to a dependent state. He criticised the cancellation of more than 60 million rupees in business loans by the Development Bank of Seychelles. He said the move was unfair to working people who continued to service their own loans.
Government defends direction set out by president
Responding on behalf of the government, the Leader of Government Business, Sylvanne Lemiel, said it was the best State of the Nation address she had heard. She said the address was filled with hope and conviction. She added that it outlined a positive direction for the country.
Mrs Lemiel compared the social and economic policies of the current and previous administrations. She said the previous LDS government pursued liberal economic policies that did not fairly distribute wealth. She said only a few benefited. By contrast, she said United Seychelles placed people at the centre of its policies.
She also welcomed the government’s focus on technology. She said digitalisation would strengthen the economy.
Mrs Lemiel referred to the historical role of her party. She said it had consistently placed the interests and dignity of Seychellois people first.
Mrs Lemiel said she was confident in President Herminie’s vision. She added that, under his leadership, sectors such as tourism would become more productive so that more revenue remained in the economy. The Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly said United Seychelles has a solid economic plan. She then called on the opposition to trust the process.
Addressing claims of fear and oppression, Mrs Lemiel said people were not afraid to speak. She said smiles on the faces of Seychellois reflected the true state of the nation.