Africa-Press – Mauritius. The appointment of Adrien Duval as Speaker of the National Assembly has sparked a lively controversy. During his inaugural speech, he had to interrupt his remarks due to protests from the opposition, even leading to the suspension of the first session of his new term. An unprecedented situation in Parliament. This appointment adds to a reputation already tarnished by previous scandals. Between a checkered political career, suspicious alliances and run-ins with the law, the reputation of the new speaker wavers between talented and turbulent. Adrien Duval’s career certainly resembles a Balzac novel, where ambition, power and downfall mix in a hellish whirlwind.
Educated at the University of Kent and the prestigious Gray’s Inn, Sir Gaëtan Duval’s grandson is much more than a simple political heir. In 2014, he was admitted to the Mauritius Bar, ready to defend the oppressed and confront injustices. However, his career quickly took another turn with twists and turns as predictable as they were surprising. His areas of practice include civil, commercial, immigration, labor, and criminal law. At 24, after being elected at the top of the list in the 2014 elections in constituency no. 17 Curepipe/Midlands, Adrien entered the temple of democracy as Deputy Speaker , a meteoric rise that would make any apprentice politician green with envy.
In 2016, he was elected as the African Group representative to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Committee for Promoting Respect for International Humanitarian Law, becoming the first Mauritian parliamentarian to serve on an IPU committee. This committee works for the protection of civilians and combatants in conflicts around the world, as well as refugees and displaced persons.
But behind this early success, there is criticism. In the 2019 general election, he was rejected by the electorate of constituency no. 17, finishing in fourth place, far behind his competitors. His notable absence in his constituency of Curepipe/Midlands and his comings and goings in the hushed salons of power earned him the wrath of his voters. The defeat was bitter. He persisted and contested these elections before the Supreme Court. His electoral petition was rejected by the Supreme Court in April 2022.
Controversies and accidents
However, it is not politics that causes the greatest damage to Adrien Duval’s reputation, but the road. In September 2022, his sedan collides with another car. The details of the accident are worthy of a Hollywood thriller. Who was driving? Adrien Duval or his friend? The initial investigation revealed conflicting versions of the identity of the driver, with Adrien Duval refusing to take a breathalyzer test. His friend William Martin was named as the driver, but this version was later retracted by Adrien Duval, eventually admitting to being behind the wheel.
His refusal to take a breathalyzer test led to his being taken into police custody before being released on bail. In May 2023, the conspiracy charge against him was dropped, but he still faces four charges, including refusing to submit to breathalyzer and urine tests, as well as unintentional wounding and reckless assault.
Adrien Duval believes that he will not get a fair trial. This is in the absence of about ten documents, including the plan and photographs of the accident that occurred in Ébène on September 21, 2022, which were not communicated to him by the prosecution. This is why his lawyer, Mr. Jacques Panglose, requested that the trial be stopped in June before the Rose-Hill court. The case was adjourned to August 21, 2024. Despite his setbacks, Adrien Duval persists and signs. He maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty.
Videos of the incident, showing Adrien Duval visibly intoxicated, circulated on social media, sparking harsh criticism. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth himself commented heavily on the accident in Parliament.
Adrien Duval’s political alliance maneuvers were just as tumultuous as his personal life. While the PMSD was trying to reach an agreement with the PTr and the MMM, some accused Adrien Duval of playing a double game, discussing in parallel with the MSM. The negotiations failed, and the PMSD found itself isolated, with Adrien becoming the scapegoat for this failure. Rumors of betrayal and accusations of duplicity further tarnished his image, and the young lawyer seemed to be losing his footing in a sea of criticism and mistrust.
In any case, his story continues to captivate, offering a spectacle as entertaining as it is disconcerting in the theatre of Mauritian politics. We asked him for a reaction, but his secretary made it clear to us since 8am yesterday that he is not available. He has not responded to the message sent to him either. His version is awaited.
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