Since his re-election to the supreme magistracy, we have witnessed a play on words in his official speeches which, in reality, outline an empty set.
Speeches, promises with indeterminate deadlines: such is the new mode of governance of the “Renewal,” now classified in the register of “small words.” Those which, repeated at will, end up revealing the essential: the absence of action.
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Since 2019, the country seems suspended on formulas that have become mechanical. To every question about the state’s progress, the answer consists of a few cautious, calibrated syllables, devoid of any real deadline.
New government? “In the coming days,” has been promised since the speech of December 31, 2025.
The promise has been floating for months, without a date or decree. The provisional takes hold, waiting becomes a system.
DGs and PCAs of state-owned companies? More than 80% have had expired mandates for years, in light of the 2019 law governing the operation of public administrative establishments. What is the response? “In preparation.”
A catch-all expression: it says everything and nothing. Who is preparing? According to what criteria? For what strategic vision? The vagueness feeds rumors, never trust.
Legislative and municipal elections? “Slight readjustment of the calendar.”
Slight, really? Without precision, the term looks more like a postponement than an adjustment. Democracy cannot live in permanent approximation.
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Reforms for a better functioning of the State? A laconic “Soon” is served.
Again, this indefinite future. The administration becomes heavier, procedures get bogged down, citizens wait. “Soon” becomes a public policy in its own right.
Corruption and embezzlement of public funds? Article 66 of the Constitution, relating to the declaration of assets, has been waiting for its implementing decree for more than two decades. “I intend to lead the fight…”
The intention is displayed, the determination proclaimed. But the simple implementing decree seems heavier than a mountain. Scandals follow one another, investigations drag on, sanctions are delayed. Between stated will and tangible results, the gap persists.
SGS / Transatlantic affair? “Yes,” affirms a close military advisor instructing the head of a ministerial department, against “Very high instructions.”
Two formulas that summarize the ambiguity of power: official affirmation on one side, invocation of higher authorities on the other.
Proclaimed transparency, maintained opacity.
The “Grandeur and Hope” promised for this seven-year term are therefore written in the conditional.
Words precede actions, and sometimes replace them. By dint of stalling, the executive gives the feeling of flying by sight, of a management so cautious it reaches standstill.
Governing is not announcing. It is not deferring. It is not wrapping decisions in reassuring formulas. Governing is deciding, setting deadlines, taking responsibility for choices, including unpopular ones.
Otherwise, the country risks getting used to this policy of waiting: governance with a blurred future, where every answer refers to tomorrow. But by dint of promising “in the coming days,” it is the very credibility of public speech that erodes.
And when words lose their weight, trust collapses.
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