Jovenel Moïse promises a legitimate government by the end of 2019 and renews his commitment to fight against the system

In an interview with the EFE agency, the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moïse, looked back on the political crisis that has shaken the country for more than three months and took the opportunity to announce that negotiations for the formation of a government of national unity are well under way and that, before the end of December, the country could be headed by a legitimate government. Referring to the reasons why he has so far refused to resign, the head of the Haitian state has also pleaded for a new constitution to give the presidency more power before tackling the « system » for the umpteenth time he intends to fight, he says, to uphold the interests of the people.

« What I regret most is not having worked to better understand the system in the beginning. It took me too long […] We have a wild predation system. It’s not easy, « said President Jovenel Moïse, referring to the mistakes he admits he made during the crisis.

« I am not a guardian, heir, or master of the system. I am the president of all Haitians, those who are rich and those who are poor. I am not only the president of the poor or the rich. I am the president of all Haitians. I am also the president of the law. I will apply the law, « then hammered President Moïse, distancing himself from the » system « he described as extremely complex.

Moreover, Jovenel Moïse justifies his stay in power, despite the fact that almost all sectors of the national life demand his resignation, by his promises of campaign, his conviction as well as his vision of the country. During this interview with EFE, President Moïse promised again to provide the country with the necessary infrastructure – roads, electrical and hydraulic services, digital infrastructures – for its development.

« No country in the world can talk about development without these things, » said the president who said he works very hard, more than 20 hours a day sometimes, to try to find a solution to this crisis before the year 2019 is coming to an end and until then, an opposition Prime Minister – or someone neutral or someone from civil society – takes office.

« It is not normal that the country has been without a government for 10 months and without a budget for 14 months, » conceded President Moïse, noting that several regions of the country are currently facing a humanitarian crisis, including the departments of the country West and North West where there is a famine.

« It is important that we find a solution to unblock the situation so that the economy can move. To get the economy moving, you need a legitimate government. This is the government we are looking for. I do not think time is on our side. I’m aware. We need a government in extreme urgency », said Jovenel Moïse, who claims to call for a political agreement leading to the formation of a government of national unity with a clear roadmap to empower him to solve the problems of the country.

According to President Moses, there is not a radical opposition in Haiti but rather a political opposition.

Regarding the Constitution, the Head of State is in favor of a new Constitution. « Haiti is tired with this Constitution. Not only is the Constitution a source of political crisis for the country, but it is also incompatible with our culture. The Haitian people is a presidential people. Everything that does not work is attributed to the president. All the problems in the country are [the responsibility of the president]. Yet the Constitution grants extremely limited powers to the President of the Republic, « said Jovenel Moses, indicating to have campaigned to amend the 1987 Constitution.

 » I do not speak today about an amendment. I am talking about a constitutional revision, because the country is ungovernable with this Constitution. When I speak of constitutional revision – I want it to be clear in everyone’s mind – it is not for President Jovenel, it is the next president who will benefit from this constitutional revision », said President Moïse, arguing that the said Constitution prevents the emancipation and development of the country. « We can not have [political] stability with this Constitution, » said Jovenel Moïse who, after two years and ten months at the helm of the country, says he is able to demand the change of this Constitution.