Fritz Alphonse Jean becomes new president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Fritz Alphonse Jean, representative of the Montana Accord, was officially sworn in as president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) on Friday, March 7, 2025, succeeding Leslie Voltaire from Fanmi Lavalas political party, whose five-month tenure was overshadowed by worsening security conditions. The handover ceremony at Villa d’Accueil in Musseau, Port-au-Prince, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and government officials.

Voltaire, appointed in October 2024, faced escalating gang violence that crippled his administration’s efforts. In his farewell speech, he defended his leadership, highlighting key measures taken under his tenure, such as:

• Deployment of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H) in Vertières, Northern Department.
• Increase in police personnel and reinforcements from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
• Creation of the National Security Council.
• Formation of a Provisional Electoral Council after an eight-year delay.
• Reopening of the port of Saint-Louis-du-Sud and expansion of Jacmel and Les Cayes airports.

“Over the past five months, police numbers have increased, and military reinforcements are on the way,” Voltaire said.

Yet, armed gangs expanded their control over key areas in the West and Artibonite departments, including notably Léogâne, Carrefour-Feuilles, Delmas, Kenscoff, Petite Rivière and Gros-Morne, forcing thousands to flee.

“We are not satisfied. There is still much to be done to ensure security and protect lives and property,” Voltaire admitted.

Despite his administration’s efforts, public perception of Voltaire’s leadership remains overwhelmingly negative, with critics particularly viewing his tenure as a failure in addressing Haiti’s deepening crisis.

Fritz Alphonse Jean’s strategy: A war budget and security reforms

Now leading the CPT,  Jean has vowed a more aggressive approach to tackling Haiti’s security crisis.

“Our country is at war today,” Jean declared during his official speech. “We need a war-adjusted budget to mobilize resources and restore security.”

His key security measures include recruiting 3,000 additional police and military personnel, expanding aerial and maritime surveillance to strengthen border security and activating the National Intelligence Agency to improve coordination between security forces.

Jean also emphasized a crackdown on corruption, pledging to reinforce oversight institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) and the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSCCA).

He further announced the creation of a public hotline for citizens to report abuses within government agencies, including Immigration, Customs and General Tax Directorate (DGI).

“Corruption is fueling this crisis. Strengthening our institutions is essential for national stability,” the new CPT president said.

Economic, humanitarian and election priorities

Beyond security, Jean also stressed the importance of reviving Haiti’s economy, which has been in freefall amid continued instability amid six consecutive years of decline.

“We must create the right conditions to restart economic activity,” he said.

During 5-month, he plans to achieve the following actions:

• Support domestic production to boost GDP and encourage investment
• Relocate internally displaced persons and establish reception centers for deported Haitians
• Expand food assistance programs to combat hunger among Haiti’s most vulnerable populations

Despite the urgent security and economic challenges, Jean reaffirmed that holding elections remains the CPT’s top priority.

“Our primary goal remains holding elections as scheduled on Feb. 7, 2026,” he emphasized.

Jean, now the third president of the CPT in less than a year since the institution’s installation, is set to lead until Aug. 7, 2025. Then, he will hand over power to Laurent Saint-Cyr, who will be responsible for organizing Haiti’s long-awaited elections. These alternate appointments were agreed upon according to an agreement voted by the CPT members last year.

Public skepticism remains high

While Jean’s ambitious plans have drawn attention, many Haitians remain doubtful about the CPT’s ability to deliver results.

At the swearing-in ceremony, protesters expressed frustration over the government’s continued failures.

“Three presidents have come and gone, yet nothing has been done to truly solve the security crisis,” said one demonstrator, holding a sign that read: “Fritz Alphonse Jean = Security?”

As Jean begins his term, Haitians are watching closely—waiting to see if his leadership will bring real change or just another failed attempt at restoring stability.

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