Africa-Press – Mauritius. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and MMM leader Paul Bérenger announced the revival of the Alliance du Changement, following recent discussions with Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Navin Ramgoolam. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, he outlined the current political landscape and detailed the key considerations underpinning this renewal. On the political front, he stated he had advised the MMM’s Central Committee to remain in government, after two meetings with the Prime Minister.
Reflecting on the government’s performance one year into its mandate, Bérenger asserted that the Alliance’s greatest achievement was removing the MSM from the political scene—a party he accused of having inflicted significant harm on the country.
“The Alliance du Changement has accomplished much over the past year. It is too easy to focus only on what remains undone, or to overlook the government’s achievements during this first year,” he emphasized.
Democratically, he noted that the climate of fear and intimidation has been eliminated. Press freedom, he said, has been strengthened, and corruption has receded.
“We also succeeded in preventing a credit downgrade by Moody’s, despite inheriting an extremely difficult economic situation. Significant sacrifices were required to avert this immediate threat. I am very proud—through the Alliance du Changement—to have freed the country from the MSM,” he added.
That said, he acknowledged disagreements, delays, and suboptimal appointments.
“I downplayed tensions and discontent on our side to allow this first year to pass smoothly. But ultimately, we secured firm commitments from Navin Ramgoolam—which led me to revise my earlier position,” he explained.
Electoral Reform
The first key commitment, according to Bérenger, concerns electoral reform—prioritized separately from constitutional reform. Key components include:
Abolishing the requirement for candidates to declare their ethnic/community affiliation when filing nominations;
Introducing a substantial dose of proportional representation into the electoral system.
A draft bill is currently being prepared, and a public consultation will soon be launched.
Bérenger affirmed there is no fundamental disagreement with the Prime Minister on this reform, except for a nuanced divergence regarding the Best Loser System (BLS):
“The BLS served a purpose in 1967, but today it is outdated. I am convinced that with an appropriate electoral reform, the BLS will no longer be necessary. Electing around 20 MPs via proportional representation will ensure balanced representation.”
That said, he expressed a personal preference for retaining four Best Losers in the first election under the new system—to guarantee a smoother transition.
National Crime Agency (NCA)
The establishment of a National Crime Agency—replacing the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), absorbing its functions, and also encompassing certain police-related responsibilities—is actively underway.
“We’re working intensively on this bill, and it may be finalized before March 2026,” he specified.
Air Mauritius
Bérenger reported in-depth discussions on the airline’s recovery:
“We reached agreement on Megh Pillay’s role. I even referred to him as ‘The Boss’ in Cabinet—though it’s not a term I usually favour. There had been considerable obstacles and confusion surrounding the restructuring of Holding Companies, Air Mauritius, and its subsidiaries. All that has now been clarified.”
Appointments of chairpersons and members to the new boards of directors are expected within days.
Drug Fight
A new institutional structure has been created, though delays and disorganization have been observed. A renewed impetus will be given to the anti-drug campaign, supported by new, specialized appointments.
Prisons and Police
Significant reforms and a “new momentum” are anticipated in both sectors. Discussions on upcoming senior appointments are ongoing.
It is against this backdrop of concrete commitments that Paul Bérenger speaks of a revival of the Alliance du Changement:
“This marks a fresh start for our governmental action. To some extent, the crisis we have just weathered will now have a positive outcome.”
He added that he had raised the issue of renewing the Police Commissioner’s contract with the Prime Minister:
“A one-year contract doesn’t mean it will last only a year. I have no interest in undermining the Commissioner’s authority.”
Dynasty Allegations: “Hysteria”
Bérenger strongly rebutted what he called “delusions” and “hysteria” over claims of a political dynasty within the MMM:
“There is no dynasty in the MMM. I challenge anyone to prove I’ve favoured Joanna Bérenger. Some dishonest individuals persist in spreading this falsehood.”
He clarified, however, that he has no intention of hindering his daughter’s political career:
“I admire her work since she entered active politics, and I encourage young people to draw inspiration from her commitment. There is zero favouritism in the MMM.”
He also dismissed “hysteria” surrounding Reza Uteem’s role and sharply criticized a local morning daily.
Finally, he announced a forthcoming meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss instituting regular coordination meetings among all Alliance du Changement partners.
International Relations
Regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent official visit, Bérenger noted he had taken note of Macron’s description of the trip as “formidable.” Their brief exchange was, in his view, highly positive and centred on three issues:
Indian Ocean cooperation: Enhanced collaboration—potentially trilateral (France–India–Mauritius)—against drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and potential terrorism threats.
Tromelin Island: While France’s official position remains unchanged, both sides agreed to submit proposals aimed at evolving the situation—without damaging bilateral relations.
Madagascar: Bérenger advocated for increased international support to assist Madagascar’s democratic transition, suggesting the possible involvement of Mauritius’s Electoral Commissioner.
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