Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji appeared on the program 'Face à l’actualité' on 18 October 2026 to discuss the current state of the national administration. His appearance follows the transition of power earlier this year in Benin. Romuald Wadagni took office as President of Benin on 24 May 2026. The government continues to assess early governance benchmarks following this change in leadership.
The appearance on 18 October 2026 served as a platform for the administration to outline its progress and address questions regarding the initial months of the new mandate. During the broadcast of 'Face à l’actualité', Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji provided insights into the operational priorities of the current leadership. The discussion focused on the implementation of state policies and the government's ongoing engagement with the citizenry.
Public Perception of Governance
Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji has conducted field visits to between 20 and 25 different communes in Benin since the current mandate began. These visits serve as part of the government's efforts to assess public sentiment and governance benchmarks across the country. By traveling to these between 20 and 25 different communes, the government aims to gather direct feedback from the population regarding the efficacy of new administrative measures. Addressing questions regarding the general reception of administration policies during his 18 October 2026 appearance, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji stated, "pas d’appréciation à titre personnel."
The administration has emphasized that these field visits are essential for understanding the specific needs of various regions. Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji noted that the information gathered during these trips to the between 20 and 25 different communes is used to refine the delivery of public services.
Education policy changes formed a central part of the administration's early agenda. The Council of Ministers announced on 3 June 2026 that secondary schooling would be provided free of charge for all girls attending public schools. This initiative takes effect starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. The decision, finalized on 3 June 2026, represents a significant shift in the national approach to educational accessibility. By removing financial barriers for girls in public secondary schools, the government intends to improve enrollment and retention rates across the country starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Public health services also underwent modification during the initial months of the new government. Authorities implemented a policy for the coverage of vital emergencies in public hospitals without the requirement of prior payment. This health measure became operational in June 2026 to ensure that patients in critical condition receive immediate care regardless of their financial status at the time of admission. Since June 2026, public hospitals have been mandated to prioritize life-saving interventions over administrative payment procedures. This policy change reflects the government's commitment to enhancing the accessibility of emergency healthcare services for all citizens.