Patrice Talon, chief senator after leaving power in Benin? The leader's response

This marks the end of Patrice Talon's reign. The current president of Benin will officially leave office in May 2026, after 10 years at the helm of the country. This Sunday, April 12, he went to the Charles Guillot Primary School in Zongo (a district of Cotonou) to fulfill his civic duty in the presidential election.

"I need to do other things, to have fun, to go out, but while still remaining a good citizen."   »

After the exercise, the leader spoke to the press. They naturally asked him if he had any plans for after leaving office. "Retirement," replied Patrice Talon. "I need to do other things, to have fun, to go out, but while remaining a good citizen. Given the responsibility I've held for the past 10 years, it's an illusion to think that one can simply disappear. I will remain a former president, I will remain a figure who will always be watched," the former cotton magnate asserted.

It must be said that, contrary to what he wants people to believe, Patrice Talon will not be retiring from politics.

"Who presides is of little importance to me."

He will sit in the Senate, a kind of council of elders in the Beninese style, created by legislators during the constitutional revision of November 2025.

Journalists even asked him if he aspired to preside over this new institution. "It would be presumptuous of me to say such a thing," replied Patrice Talon.

He believes that there are "experienced elders who have played a role (in the country who will be members of this Senate)".

"The essential thing is to be able to bring one's wisdom, prayers, and protection to a country that one has served, loved, and to which one has given so much devotion. So, who will preside, for me, matters little. Provided that there is a good spirit so that together our prayers and our protection serve the whole country," declared the tenant of the Marina Palace.

The role of the Senate

Let us remember that the Senate is an institution which will include former presidents of the Republic, former presidents of the National Assembly and former presidents of the Constitutional Court, among others.

It "deliberates, a priori, on any bill or proposed law of a political nature, particularly concerning the devolution or organization of state power. It may also request a second reading of any law passed in the National Assembly, except for finance laws and similar legislation..."