Haiti Gets New Prime Minister amid Political Uncertainty

Haiti’s interim president Jocelerme Privert named Enex Jean-Charles as Prime Minister of a country undergoing political turmoil since January, according to AFP. Jean-Charles must submit his proposal for a new government to parliament, but his political fate hangs in the balance, as parliament must greenlight his package. Privert will not appoint additional cabinet members until parliament confirms the premier’s new vision.

Haiti’s interim president Jocelerme Privert named Enex Jean-Charles as Prime Minister of a country undergoing political turmoil since January, according to AFP. Jean-Charles must submit his proposal for a new government to parliament, but his political fate hangs in the balance, as parliament must greenlight his package. Privert will not appoint additional cabinet members until parliament confirms the premier’s new vision.

Haiti has been in shambles since a devastating earthquake in 2010, and a government in disarray certainly hasn’t helped matters. The January runoff made matters worse, but Haiti’s turbulent political climate has ensued since 2011. President Michel Martelly stepped down in February 2016 and has been the glue holding Haiti together. However, his tenure was mired in controversy as many of his close associates were tied to crimes ranging from narcotics trafficking to murder.

Former Prime Minister Fritz-Alphonse Jean was forced to step down in February after parliament rejected his plan to form a new government. Without a central governing body, Haiti cannot begin to get beyond its troubles until authorities establish legitimacy.

Haiti’s Setbacks

Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world and has little in the way of natural resources. Moreover, Haiti has a scant manufacturing base that prevents a strong export economy, but some of its exports, including machine and petroleum products, provide a stable revenue sources.

Overall, citizens and authorities rely on the agriculture sector for steady cash flow, but it is not enough to sustain development. The United States and the Dominican Republican are primary trading partners of Haiti, but Haitians have run up a hefty trade deficit. A primary factor causing Haiti’s ruin is corruption and despotism, and leaders have failed to govern in an effective manner.

Haitian Progress

Haiti has a long way to go in terms of development, but the good news is that policymakers have made vast progress in key areas, especially the tourist sector. Children have had better access to education since the earthquake, and most of the dispossessed found new living quarters. Haiti has been one of the fastest growing economies in the region due to infrastructure projects and investment, notes The New York Times.

Even though 24 percent of people remain in extreme poverty, leaders have reduced poverty from 31 to 24 percent in the past decade thanks to foreign investment and generous donations. The World Bank highlights that higher growth rates will reduce poverty further, but with a government still in a transition phase, the Haitian people will continue to suffer under an unstable system.