Wadagni–Talata: The Bet on Continuity and Talon’s Shadow

Minister of Economy and Finance since 2016, Romuald Wadagni is the reassuring face of fiscal discipline. Architect of economic reforms and the craftsman behind Benin’s regained credibility with the markets, he has provided strong signals of seriousness to investors and donors. But therein lies his weakness as well: he is a manager more than a tribune.

On the campaign trail, the equation is tricky. Wadagni embodies competence, but will he embody hope? Governing with numbers is not the same as winning hearts in an electoral campaign.

Talata: Balance and Symbolism

At his side, Mariam Chabi Talata continues the journey. The country’s first female vice president, a respected academic, she represents both loyalty to Talon and an opening toward social and regional balances. Retaining Talata maintains a strong signal: the coalition embraces the idea that a woman remains at the heart of the presidential ticket.

Her role, however, remains in the background: a guarantor of stability, a symbolic figure, rather than a central actor in a campaign where the weight will rest on Wadagni’s shoulders.

The choice of this tandem is clear: it is a duo of loyalty. Loyalty to Talon, first, who has placed two trusted figures to safeguard his legacy. Loyalty to the coalition, too, since Wadagni, distant from partisan quarrels, becomes a compromise figure between the major political forces backing the regime.

In reality, this ticket is also a shield for the outgoing president: by handing over to loyal personalities, Talon ensures that his succession does not turn into a challenge to his legacy.