VICTORIA, Seychelles — Businessman and former National Assembly member Maarco Francis, the presidential candidate of the Seychelles United Movement (SUM), says he is running for the presidency because Seychelles deserves a fresh, dynamic approach to leadership.
In an interview published this week, Mr Francis said his first year in office would prioritise the recruitment of skilled Seychellois professionals into the civil service, while also creating a dedicated scholarship scheme to support the country’s youth. He pledged to give schools the tools to shape their futures, alongside a continued focus on independent schools and youth potential.
On leadership style, Mr Francis said he would run an open-door government, with transparent budgets held openly and citizens holding leaders accountable. ‘A stronger, unified Seychelles starts with giving power back to the people,’ he said, explaining that elected school boards would be granted their own budgets, allowing them to tailor spending to local needs.
Mr Francis identified climate change and the cost of living as the country’s biggest dual challenges, and pledged to invest in renewable energy, technology and small businesses to create jobs. ‘We will ease family burdens and build affordable housing,’ he said, adding that his legacy goal is a transformed Seychelles where Seychellois youth are empowered and where the country is recognised as a beacon of hope, prosperity and unity. He called on voters to ‘vote for a reform, vote Seychelles first’.
