PTr-MMM Alliance: Bérenger and the Mauves on the Verge of Departure, Crucial BP Meeting This Monday

This Monday will be pivotal for the Alliance of Change, with a potential departure of the MMM from the government in the afternoon. The leadership of the Labour Party is heavily relying on a potential meeting between Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger, while the Mauves show little room for optimism. Here’s a comprehensive update on the situation.

The future of the alliance between the Labour Party (PTr) and the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) hangs in the balance this Monday. Currently, things remain uncertain just before the resumption of parliamentary sessions on Tuesday, after a three-month suspension. Within circles close to the MMM leadership, there is open discussion about the possibility of not just Paul Bérenger leaving, but the Mauve party itself exiting the government. A decision may be reached during the political bureau (BP) meeting at Rue Ambrose, Rose-Hill, this Monday at 16:30.

According to sources close to the Mauve leadership, a one-on-one meeting was proposed by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam with his deputy. However, this meeting was still unconfirmed as of Sunday afternoon. "It’s not certain that it will take place," stated one source.

The MMM has significant representation within the Executive, with eight of its members holding ministerial posts.

A meeting of the parliamentary group of the governmental majority is also scheduled for Monday at 15:00, as is customary before a parliamentary session. Yet, again, the MMM's participation remains uncertain. "The mood isn't very enthusiastic," noted the same reliable source.

Reports suggest that it is during the BP meeting that the party will decide on its future within the government. "We won't leave before the BP," said a source close to Paul Bérenger. The president of the MMM, Reza Uteem, is currently out of Mauritius and will not participate in Monday's meeting. "Tomorrow, we will see whether we will sit in the back-bench or if we will leave the government," the source added, noting that the final decision lies with the BP. "We will see if we attend Parliament on Tuesday," continued the source.

A press conference is planned for Wednesday, "to explain the decision we will have made on Monday," it was stated. The MMM's central committee (CC) is expected to meet on Friday or Saturday, depending on the Eid celebrations. "It is highly possible that the MMM will leave the government," the source reaffirmed.

These political tensions, however, contrast with the apparent cordiality observed recently between the two main leaders of the governmental alliance. During the official visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, the two men displayed positive body language during ceremonies held for Independence celebrations. This attitude can be attributed to a tacit agreement between the two leaders to avoid discussing their differences during official celebrations.

One of the most recent points of friction concerns the Finance portfolio, which is held by the Prime Minister himself.

Within the MMM, the question of potentially leaving the government does not have unanimous support.

A Divided MMM

Several party officials remain divided on whether to break from the alliance. Losing their ministerial privileges to sit as ordinary MPs does not appeal to many. Others argue that the only way to advance the country’s interests is to remain in power. Some understand their leader's "weariness" with a Prime Minister who is not progressing satisfactorily on important issues, in the eyes of Paul Bérenger.

The MMM has significant representation within the Executive. Eight of its members hold ministerial positions: Paul Bérenger, Reza Uteem, Ajay Gunness, Jyoti Jeetun, Arianne Navarre-Marie, Deven Nagalingum, Rajesh Bhagwan, and Aadil Ameer Meea. At the leadership level, it is almost certain that three ministers will remain in government in the event of a split. The party also has three Junior Ministers: Joanna Bérenger, Fawzi Allymun, and Karen Foo Kune.

On the Labour Party's side, internal discussions are also ongoing. Among the Prime Minister's close collaborators, there are persistent mentions of a potential cabinet reshuffle in hopes of persuading Paul Bérenger to stay. However, within the Cabinet itself, some Labour ministers express reservations about the prospect of the MMM leaving the government. According to several sources, some believe that the presence of the MMM leader as Deputy Prime Minister plays a stabilizing role in the government's functioning.

One minister confided that Paul Bérenger is "an essential player within the Executive." "He allows us to stay focused." According to this Cabinet member, his participation in Council of Ministers meetings is "active and influential."

"He participates actively and sets the tone from time to time. With his experience and mastery of certain subjects, he sees what we do not see," they added. Of course, should the MMM leave, a cabinet reshuffle will be necessary.

In circles close to Navin Ramgoolam, it is suggested that to understand what he really thinks about the situation, one must refer back to his national address on March 12. "This is not the time to divide ourselves. On the contrary, we must stick together and defend our country together (...) To succeed, we must not mistake our priorities," the PM stated.

Persistent Disagreements

Tensions between the two main figures of the alliance have been ongoing for several months and concern various sensitive issues.

One of the most recent points of friction involves the Finance portfolio, which is held by the Prime Minister himself. Discussions took place in January 2026 regarding this portfolio, but no agreement was reached. Paul Bérenger believes that given the importance of the economy, a full-time Minister of Finance is necessary to focus on the issue 24/7. Recent developments - the war in the Middle East and a loss of Rs 10 billion concerning the Chagos issue - have only reinforced this sentiment.

Other disagreements have emerged regarding certain appointments within the administration, particularly for key positions like Police Commissioner or Prison Commissioner. Criticism has also been directed at the governance style and certain unilateral decisions within the alliance. Some disagreements have been publicly expressed by Paul Bérenger. The issue of the "harmful" influence and actions of a group close to the Prime Minister, sometimes referred to as the "gang of five" by the MMM leadership, is also mentioned as a source of friction. These differences have already led to two near-breakdowns (in November and January). Meetings between the two leaders had then managed to avert a last-minute split.