Discontent within the Government: All Eyes on Friday's Cabinet Meeting

Amid a climate of restrained tension within the Alliance of Change, two significant events marked Monday on the Mauritian political scene, reflecting the discontent within the government. All eyes are now on the cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday, which is expected to be a decisive moment for the future of the coalition.

The first incident took place at 3 PM at the Treasury Building, where the parliamentary committee meeting was held. Unlike the usual sessions that often last over an hour under the active guidance of Paul Bérenger, this one lasted only about twelve minutes. The Deputy Prime Minister made minimal remarks, merely asking if the opposition leader, Joe Lesjongard, would participate in the debates on the Police (Amendment) Bill set for Tuesday at the National Assembly.

At 5 PM, the meeting of the political bureau (BP) of the MMM, held on Ambrose Street in Rose-Hill, presented a stark contrast. Members reviewed the political news in an atmosphere described as calm. Paul Bérenger delivered a measured speech, explicitly stating that "no one wants a break-up." However, he emphasized the need to closely monitor the cabinet meeting on Friday, saying, "We will see how the situation evolves."

The coming days are expected to be busy and symbolic for the two central figures of the government coalition. On Tuesday, at the National Assembly, Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger will sit side by side as usual. On Wednesday, they will share the same table during the inter-ministerial committee meeting on the Chagos, alongside Foreign Minister Ritesh Ramful and Attorney-General Gavin Glover. According to sources, one of Paul Bérenger's main points of discontent relates to this sensitive issue: excessive concessions are believed to be made to the British in the final stages of the sovereignty of the archipelago.

Another hot topic fueling tensions is electoral reform. Discussed last Friday at the cabinet meeting, it is expected to be followed up this Friday. It was a key point in the 2025-2029 government program and an important aspect of the agreement between the blue and red factions in forming the Alliance of Change.

Uncertainty looms over the immediate aftermath. The holding of a special political bureau meeting of the MMM on Friday evening is not ruled out, nor is the organization of an extraordinary central committee on Saturday. These possibilities will largely depend on the outcome of the cabinet meeting on Friday morning.

On the side of the Labour Party (PTr), the majority party in the alliance with 35 deputies, compared to 18 for the MMM, three for New Democrats, and three for Rezistans ek Alternativ, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging. In the Prime Minister's circle, it is claimed that a break is "unlikely" and that the points raised by Paul Bérenger are being taken very seriously. Navin Ramgoolam is described as calm, focused on government stability, a year after the electoral victory on November 10, 2024.