President Dr Patrick Herminie delivered the State of the Nation Address in Seychelles on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. The address marked the opening of the National Assembly for the new year.
He told lawmakers his government had acted firmly during its first 100 days in office and would continue to govern for the many, not the few.
The president said the role of the army had been reaffirmed. He announced the abolition of a group he referred to as Ibou. Dr. Herminie said investigations would begin into what he described as criminal activities linked to the group.
He highlighted measures already introduced, including a 13th-month salary and a reduction of the social security retirement age to 63.
Turning to decisions taken by the former government, President Herminie announced several commissions of inquiry. These include inquiries into the lease agreement for Assomption Island and the importation of firearms. He said the government is preparing legal provisions for an inquiry into the CCCL events of 7 December. He also announced a commission of inquiry into a prison riot, saying families affected needed to know the truth.
The president also announced an inquiry into a contract between the government and Travisory Seychelles. He described the contract as fraudulent and said it involved 65 million rupees. He said a judge would be appointed to lead the inquiry.
President Herminie said the government has allocated 20 million rupees in this year’s budget to compensate victims of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission.
On housing, the president said funding had been secured to build at least 1,000 houses starting this year. He said 150 residential land bank plots would also be delivered.
President Herminie said the government was reinforcing social protection but stressed the need for sustainability. He said the system would move from welfare to workfare, with support focused on working families.
President Herminie said his government was reviewing loans issued by the Small Business Financing Agency and the Development Bank of Seychelles. The president said the government could write off specific loans amounting to 59 million rupees and restructure repayments on other loans to ease short-term pressure on borrowers.
He said a new drug substance rehabilitation centre would be established. President Herminie added that the Ministry of Health would undergo reform. He said funding had been secured for a new modern hospital, with construction expected to begin later this year.
On the cost of living, the president said prices of essential commodities would reduce considerably by the end of the year. He said 12 new products would be added to the list of essential commodities managed by the Seychelles Trading Company.
Dr. Herminie also announced a reduction in bus fares from 10 rupees to 8 rupees this year, with further reductions planned. He said high interest rates at state-owned banks, including Nouvobanq and the Seychelles Savings Bank, would be addressed. He added that steps would be taken to reduce energy costs.
On telecommunications, the president said telecommunications and internet costs remained too high and inefficient. He said the government was confident negotiations with Starlink would be concluded by April to make services more affordable and accessible.
The president outlined reforms in education, with a focus on vocational and technical training. He said funding had been secured for a new centre, electronic literacy would be introduced, and 2,000 laptops had been purchased for educators. He also announced plans for an autism centre and a school for exceptional children.
On enterprise, President Herminie said bureaucracy would be reduced through digitalisation. He said reforms would improve government engagement with entrepreneurs and investors, alongside new measures to support women-led businesses and start-ups.
He announced an allocation of 76 million rupees to support sustainable agriculture.
The president said no one was beyond the law. He added that steps had been taken to restore the independence of institutions through boards of inquiry and commissions.
He also announced reforms to the criminal justice system, starting with amendments to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Act to address ethical issues.
Concluding his address, President Herminie said Seychelles was choosing responsibility, including governing with honesty, upholding the rule of law, and building a fair and united nation for future generations.