Economic growth and deomcratic decline: the ‘cotton king’ who reshaped Benin
Patrice Talon, once a dominant cotton trader, has overseen rapid economic expansion and infrastructure upgrades in Benin, including new ports, roads and foreign investment. However, his tenure has coincided with a marked erosion of democratic norms, as opposition parties face bans, media outlets encounter restrictions and constitutional changes consolidate his power, prompting concerns over political freedom.