Crisis at the Top: Unless There's a Dramatic Turnaround, Bérenger Will Leave the Government
Crisis at the top: Unless there is a dramatic turnaround, Paul Bérenger will leave the government. On Friday evening, the leaders of his party were already informed of his intention to resign. This comes after the renewal of the police commissioner's contract for another year, which he opposed, and a perceived "lack of seriousness" regarding electoral reform from Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam.
The central committee of the MMM is set to discuss the party's future within the majority on Monday.
A political storm threatens the Change Alliance once again, just days after a brief calm. Paul Bérenger, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), is preparing to depart and has indicated to his close associates his intention to leave the government, marking a point of no return in his strained relations with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. It is now only a matter of days, or even hours, unless a dramatic turnaround occurs. This crisis, which has been brewing for some time and intensified last week before calming down in recent days, suddenly deteriorated on Friday afternoon.
Another lingering question is what would happen if Paul Bérenger were to withdraw. Would the MMM, currently with 18 MPs compared to 35 for the PTr, rally behind its leader or would some distance themselves from him? According to several reliable sources, some elected officials, including ministers, see their future still within the ruling majority, even if their leader departs.
On the PTr side, the alarm is also high. Some key figures in the red camp were informed on Friday evening of Paul Bérenger's intention to leave the government ship. It remains to be seen whether Navin Ramgoolam will attempt mediation over the weekend with his deputy. Whatever happens, the central committee of the MMM is expected to be a pivotal moment. A final mediation meeting is scheduled for Saturday between the two leaders in the presence of Ajay Gunness.
