Tidjane Thiam, Ex-credit Suisse Ceo, Eyes Presidency In Cote D'ivoire

Tidjane Thiam, ex-Credit Suisse CEO, secures opposition partys nomination for Cte d'Ivoires presidency, marking a bold shift from finance to politics.

Thiam leads new opposition coalition, aiming to unify rivals ahead of October elections faces legal challenge over past dual nationality.

Thiam's candidacy represents a homecoming to Cte d'Ivoire, marking a shift from global finance to politics amid rapid economic growth and competitive elections.

Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, has officially emerged as the presidential candidate for Cte d'Ivoires main opposition party, marking a dramatic shift from global finance to politics. Thiam secured the nomination of the Democratic Party of Cte d'Ivoire PDCI after receiving overwhelming support from delegates during the partys primary election. This endorsement positions him as a leading contender in the countrys upcoming October vote.

The 62-year-old Thiam, who also serves as executive chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp., secured the nomination unchallenged after his sole rival, former Trade Minister Jean-Louis Billon, withdrew from the race. With no opposition within his party, Thiam now leads the newly formed Coalition for Peaceful Change in Cte d'Ivoire, an alliance aimed at uniting the opposition ahead of the election.

Thiams candidacy represents a return to his homeland after decades abroad, and it marks a significant chapter in his career. Known for his role at Credit Suisse during turbulent times, Thiam renounced his French citizenship earlier this year to meet Cte d'Ivoires constitutional requirements for presidential candidates. His decision to return to Ivorian politics is seen as a homecoming for the businessman, who has now shifted his focus to leading his country.

Despite the widespread support for Thiam, his candidacy has not been without controversy. An internal legal challenge within the PDCI questions whether his past dual nationality violates party rules. Thiams legal team has dismissed the challenge, and senior party leaders have rallied behind him. The PDCI stands firmly behind Tidjane Thiam, said Georges Philippe Ezaley, the partys vice president. Lets unite and prepare to reclaim power on October 25.

Thiams candidacy comes at a pivotal time for Cte d'Ivoire, a country that continues to experience rapid economic growth, driven by its status as the worlds leading cocoa producer and an emerging oil exporter.