Government Turmoil: Tense Stalemate Between PTr and MMM
Tensions persist between the Labour Party (PTr) and the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) despite a calming meeting held on Wednesday. New discussions are scheduled for Thursday between Navin Ramgoolam, Paul Bérenger, and their respective teams, aimed at resolving disputes and strengthening government unity.
The mood remains unchanged between the two parties, with significant differences still evident, despite the conciliatory talks held between ministers from both sides. A meeting is expected Thursday morning between Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his deputy Paul Bérenger, which will be followed by a gathering with the teams from both PTr and MMM, with both leaders present. It remains uncertain whether these meetings will actually take place.
The previous meeting between representatives of the two parties at the Treasury Building — the Prime Minister's Office — was carried out in a relatively calm atmosphere. The discussions lasted just over an hour and were described as cordial by several sources.
From the PTr side, ministers Arvin Boolell, Anil Bachoo, and Patrick Assirvaden were present, while Shakeel Mohamed, the government’s number three, was abroad. For the MMM, Arianne Navarre-Marie, Aadil Ameer Meea, Rajesh Bhagwan, and Ajay Gunness attended, while Reza Uteem was also on a mission outside the country. Both leaders were absent during this meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to establish a genuine dialogue regarding the disagreements between the Reds and the Purples, aiming to ease tensions and bridge their positions. Discussions revolved around foundational issues that are undermining the government, with the goal of restoring order and solidifying the coalition's unity.
A source close to the Prime Minister revealed: "In an alliance, both sides must make compromises. Navin Ramgoolam wants to accommodate Paul Bérenger, who is acting in his absence. Several concessions have already been made, particularly with the departures of Rama Sithanen and Kishore Beegoo. However, he cannot present himself as a weak leader."
In the past, some Labour Party members have raised this perception with the Prime Minister. Each time, Navin Ramgoolam reportedly responded that if he had to choose, he would prioritize Paul Bérenger.
Nonetheless, several pending issues are frustrating Paul Bérenger, while Navin Ramgoolam is slow to address them. Among these sensitive points are a lack of consultations regarding certain appointments, the absence of a permanent director at the Financial Crimes Commission, delayed appointments, and the actions of certain individuals in the Prime Minister's circle.
Meeting of the Purple Political Bureau
Certain aspects of the case involving the Malagasy billionaire Mamy Ravatomanga are also causing tensions among the Purples. Strategic positions remain problematic, notably those of the Commissioner of Prisons (Dev Jokhoo) and the Commissioner of Police (Rampersad Sooroojebally).
On Tuesday evening, Paul Bérenger convened the political bureau of the MMM to discuss these points of tension, without alluding to a break. "Things cannot continue like this," he reportedly stated. However, he clarified to the ministers and deputies present that he does not plan to leave the government — that was not on the agenda.
After their leader's explanations, the present members advocated for dialogue and patience, favoring sustainable solutions while acknowledging that the raised concerns are entirely legitimate.
Within the PTr, there is a desire to avoid a crisis. "The government must not fall apart," confided a high-ranking source. But fatigue is becoming apparent: "We are making a lot of efforts to address the requests of Paul Bérenger and the MMM." Nevertheless, the Labour members express their willingness to do even more, as was conveyed during Wednesday's meeting.
The meetings scheduled for Thursday could change the situation. Otherwise, the status quo will persist, weakening the government at the dawn of the first year of the Change alliance, elected on November 11 — or worse, causing a break before this first anniversary.