Is President James Alix Michel a free market socialist?

The new hand of the IMF, Frenchman Dominic Strans-Khan, has claimed  that he is a free market socialist. As attempts are made over here to label and pigeon-hole President James  Michel, many political analysts are asking whether the same label can be attached to our very own President.  Since his inauguration in 2004, President Michel has introduced certain economic policies which are synonymous with a free market socialist.  However, for some inexplicable reason and unlike his new found friend, President Hu Jintao of China, he has failed to go all the way.  Mr.  President Michel has refused to abolish the dreaded price control while imposing heavy taxes on everything that moves, both remnants of one party State socialist economic policy.

Although the President has repeatedly talked about liberalization of the economy and privatisation of State owned enterprises, this has come intermittently in dribs and drabs.

Many economists were baffled, for instance, when President Michel announced the privatisation of certain key sectors at SMB and at the same time stated that the Government will retained 70% shares in those enterprises.  One analyst even stated that President Michel is “blowing hot and cold” and is not confident which way he wants to take the country.  Others have opined that ex-President Rene still holds the reign of power and as long as he remains the President of the SPPF he is undoubtedly the boss.  President Michel, of all people, is astute enough to acknowledge that fact and he dares not upset the old man.

Consequently, mixed signals are being sent from State House.  One political observer even remarked that even after President Michel publicly announced his intention to create an anti-corruption commission and to introduce legislations for declaration of assets, he was embarrassed by orders from down there to abandon these measures. Some people in the SPPF hierarchy felt uneasy about these policies ironically for fear of being the victims themselves.  This has caused President James Alix Michel to earn the unenviable reputation of “a lame duck President”.  A free market socialist?  President Michel is certainly not!

October 5, 2007
Copyright 2007: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles