President Patrick Herminie delivered his first address to the 8th National Assembly on Friday, November 14, setting out his government’s plans for the first 100 days in office. He described the agenda as a “social contract” with the people of Seychelles.
Among the proposals, Dr. Herminie called for bipartisan support to amend the constitution. Changes include introducing an independent speaker and granting the National Assembly financial and administrative autonomy. He also proposed reducing the threshold for proportional representation from 10% to 5%, aimed at giving smaller parties a greater chance of securing seats. Another amendment would repeal the 10th constitutional amendment, which will prevent the military from having policing powers.
Dr. Herminie announced the establishment of a commission of enquiry into the Assomption hotel development project, led by former Chief Justice Mrs Mathilda Twomey. He said the planning authority has issued a stop notice, and the Seychelles Defence Force is prepared to enforce it if necessary.
The president outlined several public sector reforms, including the automatic reintroduction of the 13th month salary from January, long service allowances from December 1, and a 100–150% increase in gratuity payments. Unemployment relief schemes and the poverty alleviation department will be reinstated, and a one-off allowance will support students from Praslin and La Digue studying on Mahé.
Dr. Herminie also said the government plans to reduce the retirement age from 65 to 63, with an 800-rupee increase in social security benefits. He noted further analysis is needed before fully reducing the pension age. The government has purchased a 22% stake in Nouvobanq, with returns intended to sustain the pension fund.
The address included proposals for a new Fair Administrative Act to combat corruption, requiring politicians and immediate family members to declare their assets. Dr. Herminie said the Seychelles Trading Company’s operations would be reviewed to ensure affordable essential goods, and an inquiry will investigate alleged wastage at the new cold storage facility.
Concluding, the president reaffirmed his party’s vision, “For the many, not the few,” and said former president Danny Faure will lead a committee to finalise work on Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity, in line with the commission’s recommendations.