James Michel Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids James Michel


3rd President of Seychelles
In office 14 July 2004 – 16 October 2016
Vice President	Joseph Belmont Danny Faure
Preceded by	France-Albert René
Succeeded by	Danny Faure
Vice President of Seychelles
In office 18 August 1996 – 14 July 2004
President	France-Albert René
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Joseph Belmont

Personal details
Born	(1944-08-16) 16 August 1944 (age 80) Mahé, Colony of Seychelles
Political party	People's Party
Spouse	Natalie Michel
Signature

James Alix Michel (born 16 August 1944) is a politician from the Seychelles. He was the third President of Seychelles from 2004 to 2016. Before becoming president, he served as vice president under France-Albert René from 1996 to 2004.

Michel started his career as a teacher. Later, he worked in the growing tourism industry in the Seychelles. He joined René's political party before the country became independent in 1976.

Life and Career in Seychelles
- Becoming President
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Life and Career in Seychelles

James Michel was a close supporter of President René throughout the Seychelles' history as an independent country. He was part of the Seychelles People's United Party from 1974 to 1977. When this party changed its name to the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), he became a member of its main committee.

After the country's first president, James Mancham, was removed from power in 1977, Michel became the Minister of Public Administration and Information. During the time when one political party ruled (1979–1991), Michel held many important jobs. He was the Minister of Finance from 1989 to 2006. He also became a top leader in the SPPF party.

Michel played a big role in the Seychelles' economy. For 27 years, the country's economy grew thanks to tourism and fishery. Later, in the 1990s, the economy faced challenges. Around 2008, during a time of global economic problems, Michel started a plan to improve the economy. This plan involved reducing government spending and making it easier to exchange foreign money.

This was part of a shift to make the Seychelles a place where businesses could easily invest. Many small island nations choose this path to bring in foreign money. It helps them grow their economy without focusing on large industries.

Michel was also important in bringing back democracy to the Seychelles. This included allowing many political parties to take part in elections again in 1993. International observers who watched the elections since 1993 said they were "free and fair." President René and his party won elections in 2001 and 2002 with about 54% of the votes.

After he stopped being president in 2016, Michel started the James Michel Foundation. This foundation supports projects that focus on the "blue economy" (using ocean resources sustainably) and climate change.

Becoming President

Michel inspecting an Indian Army guard of honour in New Delhi.

James Michel became president on 14 July 2004. This happened after he had been vice-president for almost eight years, starting in August 1996. When he became president, he had been a cabinet minister longer than anyone else under President René. As president, he was also in charge of areas like Defence, Police, and Information.

The leader of the opposition, Wavel Ramkalawan, shared his worries about the economy. He asked for more discussions with the ruling party. However, he also said he would work with President Michel.

Michel won the presidential election held in July 2006, getting 53.7% of the votes. He started his new term on 1 August 2006. He won re-election again in May 2011, with 55.4% of the votes. He was sworn in for this term on 22 May 2011.

In early 2015, Michel said he planned to run for a third term. He said he had "worked hard" for the people of Seychelles and felt they "appreciate my work." His term was supposed to end in 2016, but he decided to hold the election earlier, in December 2015. He won this election by a very small number of votes against Ramkalawan.

On 27 September 2016, Michel announced he would resign on 16 October. He handed over power to Vice President Danny Faure. This decision came after the opposition party won more seats in the National Assembly in the September 2016 election. Michel said that a "new generation" would lead the Seychelles forward. He felt he had completed his mission.