During a pivotal moment in his press briefing this Tuesday, Ousmane Sonko shed light on the intricate discussions that preceded the establishment of the new government, painting a picture of an unworkable alliance between PASTEF and the presidential office.
The leader of the Patriots party stated he observed, throughout his exchanges with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, that the President had “opted to move away from PASTEF to collaborate with other entities.” Sonko immediately challenged this direction, reminding the head of state of a fundamental tenet: “Under any governing system, the majority must lead. It is our prerogative to select a Prime Minister.”
The two prominent figures reportedly delved into a wide array of critical issues, including national public debt, citizen purchasing power, the renegotiation of various contracts, and the crucial aspects of justice and accountability. However, a comprehensive agreement across all these domains remained elusive. “Regarding the framework of justice, we reached no accord,” Sonko declared, highlighting this as one of the most significant points of contention.
Concerning the cabinet’s formation, Sonko revealed he presented a clear prerequisite to the President, who had proposed an executive body of 30 ministers: that PASTEF must hold the majority within it. This demand, however, went unheeded. “We realized that, at this pace, we would possess no real influence over governmental actions,” he concluded, thereby explaining the party’s resolution to abstain from participation in the Al Amine Lô administration.
