Former Minister Jean Louis Billon, a declared candidate for the 2025 presidential election, continued his mobilization tour on Saturday, June 28, 2025, to gather the necessary sponsorships for his candidacy. He visited the localities of Tanda, Kouassi-Datékro, and Sandégué, where he focused his speech on “economic nationalism” and the improvement of Ivorians’ living conditions.
During his exchanges with the population, Jean Louis Billon highlighted the isolation of certain regions, asking: “How do you expect ambulances to reach this area with the ‘highway’ you have? It’s not easy.” He thus laid the foundation of his program, declaring his wish for “a strong Côte d’Ivoire, one that prioritizes Ivorians,” because he “stands for economic nationalism.”
Candidate Billon presented himself as the “new software” Côte d’Ivoire needs. He denounced corrupt practices, particularly the need to pay to register for civil service exams or to be admitted. “All of this must stop,” he insisted, promising equal opportunities for all public exams and an annual review of the civil servants’ salary index. He expressed his determination with the phrase: “M’ba fô M’ba kê” (what I say, I do).
After receiving the sponsorship list in Tanda, Jean Louis Billon continued to Sandégué, reiterating his commitment to travel across the entire country. He emphasized his desire to engage with Ivorians to understand their concerns and convince them that he is the most capable candidate to meet their needs. After the East, he plans to visit the West, North, and South of the country.
Addressing populations in remote areas, Mr. Billon promised to end their isolation through his future actions, along with better school and healthcare infrastructure. He also pledged paved roads to facilitate the marketing of local products. Concerning youth employment, he reassured the population regarding unemployed graduates and committed to addressing these challenges. He also promised increased support for women’s empowerment.
As the first officially declared presidential candidate, Jean Louis Billon emphasized the sincerity of his approach: “I’m not here to make a name for myself or to find a job. I’m here to serve the people day and night, to ensure they have better living conditions, well-being, and fairness in wealth distribution.” He urged the people to make him their candidate for real change, assuring them that they should not feel excluded from Côte d’Ivoire.
In Kouassi-Datékro, Mr. Billon officially confirmed his candidacy, stressing the importance of political alternation and making way for a new generation. “I know your expectations, I see your suffering. Tomorrow, when I am elected, I will be the president of all Ivorians, without exclusion. I can assure you that no one will lose their job, because all sons and daughters of this country must have equal opportunities. I bring new governance,” he stated before an enthusiastic crowd.
The populations expressed both gratitude and high expectations. Ouattara Fatoumata, spokesperson for the women of Sandégué, thanked him and raised issues regarding the state of the roads, the price of cashew nuts, and the high cost of living, affirming that the people of Sandégué now recognize Jean Louis Billon as their president.
The village chief of Kouassi-Datékro, Yao Kouamé, assured Jean-Louis Billon of “100% support for sponsorship and the election,” praising him for taking the time to listen to their concerns. Likewise, N’Guettia Yao Raymond, vice-president of the organizing committee of the Tanda gathering, described the minister’s visit as “a moment of renewal and hope for the youth,” seeing in him a symbol of employment and success, a bearer of hope for a youth often marginalized. He concluded by stating that “Tanda has made its choice and will make it a reality on the evening of October 25.”
