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 | 16 August 1944 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.
James Michel started his career as a teacher. Later, he became involved in the growing tourism industry in the Seychelles. He joined René's political party before the country gained independence in 1976.
Contents
Early Life and Political Journey
James Michel worked closely with President René throughout the Seychelles' history as an independent nation. From 1974 to 1977, he was part of the executive committee of the Seychelles People's United Party. When this party changed its name to the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), he joined its Central Executive Committee.
After a change in government in 1977, Michel was made Minister of Public Administration and Information. During the time when the Seychelles had a one-party government (1979–1991), he held many important roles. He was the Minister of Finance from 1989 to 2006. He also became the SPPF's Deputy Secretary-General in 1984 and later its Secretary-General in 1994.
During President René's time in office, James Michel played a big part in shaping the Seychelles' economy. The country saw economic growth, especially in tourism and fishing. Later, in the 1990s, the economy slowed down. Around 2008, Michel led efforts to improve the economy. This included reducing government spending and making it easier to exchange foreign money.
Michel was also important in helping the country become more democratic. This included bringing back multi-party elections in 1993. International observers who watched the elections since 1993 said they were "free and fair."
After he left politics in 2016, James 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 of Seychelles
James Michel became president on 14 July 2004, after serving as vice-president for almost eight years. He had been President René's longest-serving minister. As president, he was also in charge of Defence, Police, Information, and managing risks and disasters.
The leader of the opposition, Wavel Ramkalawan, expressed concerns 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 confirmed he would run for a third term in the next presidential election. He said he had worked hard for the Seychelles and its people. His term was supposed to end in 2016, but he announced in October 2015 that the election would be held earlier. The election took place from 3 to 5 December 2015. He won 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 his Vice-President, Danny Faure. This decision came after the opposition won a majority in the National Assembly in the September 2016 parliamentary election. Michel stated that a "new generation" would lead the Seychelles forward. He felt he had completed his mission.
Awards and Honors
James Michel has received several awards and honors:
- From Mauritius:
- From Serbia:
- From the Sovereign Military Order of Malta:
_-_ribbon_bar.png)
See also
In Spanish: James Michel para niños
