Maarco Francis’ Personal Reflection
By The Seychelles Times Political Desk
In a political environment often marked by partisanship and recycled rhetoric, Maarco Francis, a prominent figure in Seychelles’ private sector, is stepping forward with a promise to break the mould. His 2025 presidential candidacy is not just another bid for power—it is, according to Francis, a mission grounded in service, competence, and pragmatic reform.
A respected businessman and former chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2013–2016), Francis offers a candid and strategic rationale for his entry into frontline politics: “Seychelles needs leadership that delivers—not one caught up in ideological battles or political preservation. I’m here to serve, not to rule.”
From Frustration to Action
Francis’ decision to contest the presidency stems from years of mounting frustration over what he describes as “business-as-usual politics”—a system, he argues, that has failed to address basic challenges facing ordinary Seychellois. In his view, inefficiencies in governance, widening inequality, and a disconnect between leadership and citizenry have created a dangerous status quo.
“We’ve tolerated inefficiency and mediocrity for too long,” Francis says. “People are tired of empty promises—they want delivery, results, and dignity.”
As the founding leader of the Seychelles United Movement (SUM), Francis is pitching himself as the nontraditional candidate who brings both the credibility of experience and the boldness to innovate. His campaign slogan—“Reform, Prosperity, and Unity”—seeks to capture a national yearning for inclusive development and effective governance.
Technocrat at the Helm
A central theme of Francis’ platform is economic transformation through innovation. His proposed “Roadmap to Reform, Prosperity, and Unity” outlines over 100 initiatives aimed at addressing both immediate economic stress and long-term sustainability. Among the headline proposals are:
- Investment in solar energy and digital infrastructure, including the expansion of SeyID and ultra-high-speed internet access
- Free childcare to ease cost-of-living burdens on working families
- Vocational and digital education reforms, focusing on technical skills and literacy
- State corporation reform to reduce inefficiencies and redirect savings into public services
Francis’ emphasis on results-driven leadership is anchored in his business pedigree. He brings with him a mindset often absent in political circles—strategic planning, cost control, and performance evaluation. It’s a formula he believes Seychelles sorely needs.
Unity Beyond Politics
Where past elections have often retraced ideological fault lines, Francis insists that the time has come to forge a new political culture—one built around collaboration, accountability, and national identity, not legacy party affiliations.
“This movement is not left, right, or centre,” he explains. “It’s forward.”
His campaign style reflects this philosophy. Engaging in grassroots conversations, leveraging digital platforms, and hosting frequent town halls, Francis is taking cues from modern, citizen-centric governance models. It is a deliberate shift, one that appears to be resonating with voters seeking more transparency and dialogue from their leaders.
Focus on Core Industries
In terms of economic pillars, Francis is keenly focused on sustainable tourism and a revitalised fisheries sector. His platform outlines ambitious goals to:
- Establish eco-tourism and digital nomad villages
- Create value-added processing facilities for fish exports
- Expand maritime training and job opportunities for Seychellois youth
- Modernise fisheries infrastructure with a sustainability-first lens
The underlying vision? A diversified, inclusive blue economy that creates jobs, protects natural resources, and keeps economic value circulating within the country.
A Voice for Women and Families
Francis also speaks powerfully on gender equality. His platform outlines concrete steps to tackle gender-based violence, support women-led businesses, and improve female representation in decision-making spaces. He pledges that women’s issues will no longer be treated as peripheral.
“We cannot speak of development if half our population remains sidelined,” Francis said recently. “Empowering women means empowering the nation.”
From Boardroom to State House?
Whether the Seychellois public is ready for a businessman-president remains to be seen. What is clear is that Maarco Francis is offering more than critique—he’s offering an alternative: technocratic, forward-thinking, and unapologetically people-focused.
As the 2025 elections approach, Francis is hoping to convert that alternative into a winning formula.
“I’m not in this race to play politics,” he says. “I’m here to fix what’s broken and build a future we can be proud of.”
