Election fever is gradually taking hold in Benin. Patrice Talon's successor, Romuald Wadagni, and his running mate Mariama Chabi Talata were officially sworn in this Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Parakou. The event took place at the municipal stadium of this large northern metropolis. The stadium was packed with people.

"Our strength on the path to development is national unity."

The leadership of the four parties supporting the duo's candidacy was easily distinguishable: Moele-Bénin, the National Renaissance (RN), the Progressive Union (UP) and the Republican Bloc (BR). In his inaugural speech, Mr. Wadagni indicated that he accepted with "humility" the choice made on his person.

He then promised to continue the reforms undertaken under President Talon, while reaffirming the need for national unity in an unstable regional context.

"Our strength on the path to development is national unity," said Mr. Wadagni.

A significant part of his speech was devoted to youth.

“My ambition is to transform the energy of every young person into an opportunity.”

He promises to put them to work and harness their potential. "Youth are our wealth, they are our strength, they are our future. I firmly believe that every young Beninese carries within them immense potential that we have not yet finished awakening and revealing. My ambition is therefore clear: to transform the energy of each young person into opportunity, to transform opportunities into success, and to transform success into dignity," declared the minister-candidate.