[Blog] Open Letter to the Country's Leaders

Title: [Blog] Open Letter to the Country's Leaders

Content:

By Santosh Neerohoo – Governance, Risk Management, and Internal Audit Consultant

An engaged citizen for a possible and sustainable future of Mauritius

A historic mandate — a promise to keep

A year ago, the nation spoke decisively. Voters did not choose a mere change of faces or an electoral slogan, but a real break — a strong commitment to moral, political, and economic renewal. This election was not only an act of trust but also a contract of responsibility between leaders and the people.

Today, the population acknowledges that courageous measures have been taken to rectify the situation:

• Enhanced budget discipline to better control public spending.

• The revival of structural projects to invigorate our economy, despite global constraints.

• Strengthening the fight against corruption and promoting more transparent governance.

• Reorienting social policies to target those who genuinely need assistance.

These advances are significant, but the people expect more coherence, consistency, and above all, more collective courage. The reconstruction of the country requires total commitment, clarity of intention, and a sense of duty that transcends political divides.

Leadership must set an example

"Leadership is not measured by the length of power but by the mark it leaves on the people's consciousness."

To govern is, first and foremost, to serve. Exemplarity, transparency, and accountability must once again become the fundamental pillars of public action. Mauritians want to see strong institutions, an independent judiciary, and political ethics that live up to the promises of change.

National unity cannot be decreed — it must be built on sincerity and humility.

It is through setting an example that leaders can sustainably rally the trust of the people.

Exemplarity also requires concrete and courageous actions: the fight against drugs, serious prevention efforts, the creation of modern rehabilitation centers, and a zero-tolerance policy towards trafficking networks.

Put egos aside, build together

History has provided you with a unique window to transform this country. Do not let it close under the weight of rivalries and personal ambitions.

Mauritians do not expect heroes, but a united team driven by a single vision: that of a just, prosperous, and respected Mauritius.

Today, Mauritius must become a vast site of work — a site to invigorate our economy, repair inequalities, and advance sustainably, with courage, clarity, and solidarity.

This massive effort must also breathe new life into our SMEs, which form the backbone of our economic fabric. Their survival and growth are essential to create jobs, stimulate local innovation, and ensure shared prosperity.

This effort must extend to all sectors:

• Health – reform of the hospital system, better access to care, and a prevention policy adapted to the country’s realities.

• Education – integration of new technologies and guiding youth towards tomorrow's skills.

• Innovation – placing artificial intelligence (AI) at the service of the country: modernizing administration, enhancing fraud detection, improving road safety, and supporting farmers through data and forecasting.

• Democratic governance – ensuring a stronger Parliament, free media, and an open and respectful culture of public debate.

Democracy must not be a façade, but a living pact between the people and its institutions.

It must translate into increased citizen participation, stronger accountability, and a politics free from fear or favoritism.

The fight against corruption and clientelism must be accompanied by a parallel battle: that for meritocracy and real added value. Every appointment, every project, every public expenditure must reflect one principle: that of national interest above all.

A call for courage, memory, and historical consciousness

Gentlemen Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister,

You have had the courage to initiate difficult decisions. But history will remember your capacity to see them through.

The people are counting on you — on your experience, your sense of duty, and your willingness to unite to inscribe your names in history, not as party leaders, but as architects of national recovery.

Mauritius’s future depends on the decisions you make today. The world is changing rapidly: the necessity to improve purchasing power and control the cost of living, climate challenges, regional inequalities, geopolitical tensions, and the digital revolution demand a clear and shared vision.

It is in this context that action is needed:

• Strengthen democracy to avoid polarization and authoritarian drift.

• Revitalize our economy and restore hope to the nation.

• Sustainably support SMEs and encourage responsible entrepreneurship.

• Protect our natural resources and preserve our lagoon, our land, and our biodiversity.

• Invest in the mental and physical health of citizens, as a strong nation rests on balanced and respected individuals.

• Prepare youth for a digital, ethical, and competitive world.

History rarely offers a second chance. Yours is now.

And posterity will judge your mandate not by speeches, but by the mark it leaves on the consciousness of the people.