Yvan Martial: "A country cannot have two captains"

Yvan Martial: "A country cannot have two captains"

One year after its victory, the Alliance of Change is under strain. Growing disagreements, marked by public criticisms and differing styles between Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger, are undermining the credibility of their partnership.

Since the landslide victory on November 11, 2024, the Alliance of Change appears to be faltering under the weight of misunderstandings and accumulated frustrations. Are we heading towards a break in the alliance? This question was discussed on the program "At the Heart of the News" on Thursday, November 6, 2025, hosted by Prem Sewpaul. The panel included Harish Chundunsing, journalist and political commentator; Yvan Martial, former journalist and political analyst; and Jean-Luc Mootoosamy, director of Media Expertise.

Between Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger, signs of increasing disagreement are multiplying: lack of communication, differing visions, and absence of cohesion. Some observers even mention a style incompatibility. Recent public statements from Paul Bérenger, often critical of the government and certain authorities, fuel speculation about an imminent split.

According to Harish Chundunsing, Paul Bérenger has not just settled for Kishore Beegoo or Rama Sithanen. Instead, he has broadened his proposals beyond these two names to include several struggling departments and institutions. "I believe Paul Bérenger prioritizes his party's interests and seeks to protect his formation rather than weaken the government. On the other hand, Navin Ramgoolam cannot act alone, having been elected thanks to the alliance with the MMM. The current tensions are framed within a historical context where cohabitation between the two leaders has always been complex," the journalist emphasizes.

Yvan Martial stresses the impact of these tensions on public opinion. Even without an official divorce, the public senses a rift between the PTr and the MMM. "Despite its unpopular decisions, the government remains solid, while the MMM continues to represent Paul Bérenger's political property. According to my observations, Navin Ramgoolam's authority is crucial: a country cannot have two captains. If Bérenger makes demands, Ramgoolam remains the only one at the helm," he argues.

Are the two leaders in power incompatible? In response, Harish Chundunsing refers to a clash of cultures. "Ramgoolam takes his time and follows established processes, while Bérenger prefers quick decisions. This difference in pace heightens tensions and could weaken the alliance. However, even if the divergences are evident, everything is being done to avoid a rupture. It would be more productive to focus on concrete work for the country rather than on relational conflicts." Jean-Luc Mootoosamy adds nuance. He reminds us that the Ramgoolam/Bérenger duo represented a two-headed political product. "Differences should not automatically lead to questioning the entire team. We need to focus on Bérenger's transparency. His criticisms highlight dysfunctions, but they mainly reveal that the issue lies in the relationship between the two men, not between the parties. Does Paul Bérenger really want to be seen as a deserter? And on his part, has Navin Ramgoolam not made commitments he could not fulfill? Today, if the duo weakens, some form of resilience still exists. It would be better for both leaders to learn to 'agree to disagree,' otherwise it will be the people who will decide."