Africa-Press – Mauritius. Paul Bérenger, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the MMM, declared during the party’s annual reception at Domaine Anna yesterday that 2026 will be a decisive year for Mauritius.
Addressing party officials, Mr. Bérenger began by thanking them for their collective efforts and achievements for the country throughout 2025. “We have undertaken a great deal since the last elections, despite the heavy legacy left behind by a decade of MSM rule. There is still so much to do,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the Alliance du Changement’s greatest accomplishment was ridding the country of the MSM. “We take this too much for granted and too easily forget where the MSM had led the country over the past ten years. That is our proudest achievement,” he stressed.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted significant progress made in the past year. “We have put the economy back on track after the MSM had saddled the country with massive debt and destabilized the economy. With courage and sacrifice, we have restored economic stability while doing our utmost to protect the most vulnerable,” he said.
He added that democracy has been revitalized through municipal elections, a reformed Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), and an ongoing electoral reform process. “We have started tackling corruption and the drug scourge. Although much remains to be done, we have pushed these issues into retreat. Let us also not forget the major step forward we’ve taken toward exercising our sovereignty over the Chagos.”
Nevertheless, Mr. Bérenger acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year for the Alliance du Changement—and consequently for the MMM. “We faced difficult moments, but we must draw lessons from them with clarity and courage,” he said. “2025 was an inevitable year of transition, and 2026 will be decisive—not only for the nation but also for the MMM.”
He outlined three critical tests the government must confront in the coming year:
Air Mauritius, where “we have already lost too much time”;
The drug crisis, police reform, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), and the prison system;
The Economic Development Board (EDB).
Mr. Bérenger also highlighted that 2026 will be a pivotal year for Rodrigues, noting recent negative developments while affirming, “Rodrigues is a wonderful and remarkable island that continues to teach us valuable lessons.”
Lastly, he announced key upcoming party meetings: the top political leadership will convene on Thursday, 8 January, followed by a Political Bureau meeting on Friday, and the first General Committee will oversee party activities.
