Benin: Patrice Talon expected at the National Assembly for his State of the Nation address
The President of the Republic, Patrice Talon, is announced on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo, seat of the National Assembly, where he will deliver his annual State of the Nation address. In accordance with Article 72 of the Beninese Constitution, this address is intended to inform members of the National Assembly about the country’s general situation and the main orientations of government action.
Patrice Talon lors de la Célébration du 61ème anniversaire de l’indépendance du Bénin – Honneurs militaires et civilités du Président de la République aux Présidents des Institutions de la République et membres du gouvernement PH: Présidence Bénin
Patrice Talon is expected at the National Assembly for his State of the Nation address. A key moment in institutional life, this republican exercise gives rise to no parliamentary debate. It nevertheless allows the Head of State to take stock of national governance, set priorities, and guide the deliberations and work of the National Assembly.
This year’s address comes in a particularly sensitive context. It occurs a few weeks after the attempted coup on Sunday, December 7, 2025, quickly foiled by the forces of the Republican Guard. This major security episode, which marked public opinion, is expected to be mentioned by the President of the Republic before the elected representatives.
Security and governance record for 2016 – 2025
Beyond the foiled coup, this address could be one of Patrice Talon’s last State of the Nation messages as President of the Republic, as he approaches the end of his second term.
From this perspective, the Head of State could present an overall assessment of the past decade, highlighting the main reforms undertaken, major achievements, and the structural transformations carried out in several of the country’s key sectors.