Ex-Credit Suisse CEO Thiam in Legal Duel Over Ivorian Party Leadership
TLDR
- Tidjane Thiam, former Credit Suisse CEO and president of Ivory Coast’s Democratic Party (PDCI), is facing a court challenge over his leadership
- Four PDCI members claim Thiam was not an Ivorian citizen at the time of his election in December 2023, violating party rules
- Thiam, 62, applied to renounce his French citizenship on February 7 to meet eligibility requirements for the country’s October presidential election
Tidjane Thiam, former Credit Suisse CEO and president of Ivory Coast’s Democratic Party (PDCI), is facing a court challenge over his leadership. Four PDCI members claim Thiam was not an Ivorian citizen at the time of his election in December 2023, violating party rules.
Thiam, 62, applied to renounce his French citizenship on February 7 to meet eligibility requirements for the country’s October presidential election. Under Ivorian law, only nationals without dual citizenship can run for the presidency.
The case will be heard on February 27, but the PDCI has reaffirmed Thiam’s legitimacy, stating his election followed party statutes. The party is expected to hold a convention in August to select its presidential candidate.
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Key Takeaways
The legal challenge against Thiam underscores Ivory Coast’s complex political landscape ahead of the 2025 election. His candidacy could reshape the race, potentially challenging incumbent President Alassane Ouattara and former leader Laurent Gbagbo. The PDCI remains divided, with Jean-Louis Billon emerging as Thiam’s primary challenger within the party. If Thiam overcomes the legal hurdle, he could become a major contender in a race where both Ouattara, 83, and Gbagbo, 79, face political and legal uncertainties. Beyond party politics, the case raises broader questions about nationality laws in Ivory Coast, particularly their impact on political participation. The ruling could determine whether Thiam, a global finance figure, remains a central player in the country’s election.
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