Divorce Announced in Government: Bérenger Ready to Sacrifice the MMM 'for the Country'

Paul Bérenger's decision to resign from the government seems to be made, but he is waiting for the MMM Central Committee meeting scheduled for this Wednesday to announce it officially. In any case, the Deputy Prime Minister declares that he will not attend Parliament this Tuesday.

Paul Bérenger, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the MMM, leaves little doubt about his future within the governmental alliance. "I will not attend Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday, March 16, 2026)." This announcement was made to the press after a meeting of the Political Bureau (BP) at Ambrose Street in Rose Hill.

"I told the BP everything I had to say. I will not go to Parliament. I will wait for the MMM Central Committee meeting scheduled for this Wednesday at 3:30 PM to announce my decision. If the Central Committee requests it, we will convene a delegates' assembly," he specified.

Regarding his decision not to attend Parliament this Tuesday, Paul Bérenger emphasized that "those (MMM elected officials) who want to go to Parliament can go. I could make a decision tomorrow (Tuesday) regarding my resignation as Deputy Prime Minister. Navin Ramgoolam (Prime Minister) and I spoke today (Monday) for 45 minutes, but there's nothing new. Currently, no meeting between him and me is planned. My decision is made, but I will provide the details of its execution," stated the MMM leader.

He stated, "If I have to choose between my position as Deputy Prime Minister and the country, I would choose the country. If I have to choose between the MMM and the country, I would choose the country."

He added, "The economic situation is the main reason (for his probable resignation). The situation was critical but is worsening. I delayed the decision because we tried to correct it. I regret nothing. We went into the elections with the Labor Party, we won 60-0. The goal of getting the MSM out was achieved."

When asked by the press about the refusal to grant the MMM the Ministry of Finance as a reason for his probable departure from the government, he replied: "I’m fed up with Finance. There is a serious economic crisis. We're going to crash. I told Navin Ramgoolam again to appoint a Minister of Finance. 'We need a full-time Minister of Finance.' The economic situation is worse than it was a year ago. […] I don’t see what could change my mind," concluded Paul Bérenger.

Reactions from ministers and deputies following the BP meeting vary. Some members, like Ajay Gunness, announce they will go to Parliament. Others, like Rajesh Bhagwan and Karen Foo Kune-Bacha, leave room for doubt and refrain from responding. "Everything has been said in the press conference," declared the Minister of Environment. "As Paul Bérenger said, let’s take the time tonight to digest," added the junior Minister of Youth and Sports.

Reactions:
Faizal Jeerooburkhan: 'The country cannot remain hostage to these uncertainties'
For Faizal Jeerooburkhan, a member of Think Mauritius, if Paul Bérenger's decision is confirmed, it could paradoxically provide a favorable outcome for the country. "The current uncertainty holds the country hostage and creates numerous problems. Moreover, if he chooses to stay, nothing guarantees that a similar situation won't happen again." The representative of Think Mauritius reminds us that the urgency is primarily economic and social. "It is imperative to unite and work together, which Paul Bérenger does not seem capable of doing."
Nando Bodha: 'Bérenger has no options...'
For Nando Bodha, leader of the Mauritian Gathering, the MMM leader currently finds himself without a real political option: "This is a regrettable moment in our political history. This outcome was predictable and represents a true disaster for an alliance that achieved a score of 60-0."
Roshi Bhadain: 'This is a wake-up call for Mauritians'
For the leader of the Reform Party, Paul Bérenger's decision should be seen as a strong signal to Mauritians. According to Roshi Bhadain, "This is a wake-up call for Mauritians. It is time to turn the page on these four families and build a new future with the Reform Party."
Rama Poonoosamy: 'He must have his reasons'
Rama Poonoosamy, director of Immedia and former MMM minister, reacted cautiously to the historical leader of the Mauves' departure intentions. "Paul Bérenger indicates that he is considering resigning. It’s unfortunate, but he must have his reasons," he observes. Analyzing the situation through an ideological lens, he adds: "However, Marxism teaches us to differentiate between the main contradiction and secondary contradictions. Let’s wait and see what follows," emphasizes Rama Poonoosamy.
Michael Atchia: 'The people have no time to lose'
For Michael Atchia, former UN program director and member of Democracy Watch Mauritius, the electoral mandate conferred by the people is a sacred contract that must be honored until the end. "He was elected by the people and has the duty to fulfill the mission for which he was mandated," he asserts. Michael Atchia believes that a premature departure is unacceptable: "Leaving is unacceptable. I appeal to his sense of citizenship to remain in office until the end." Finally, the Democracy Watch member emphasizes that the country faces much more urgent matters that require the full attention of the authorities. "There are essential priorities, such as oil or the Chagos issue. The people have no time to waste on such considerations," he concludes.
Patrick Belcourt: 'Finally, an opposition that will go all the way...'
Paul Bérenger must follow through with his approach, believes the leader of En Avant Moris. "He was right to denounce the gangs of five, but we must not stop halfway. We need to say exactly what is happening," asserts Patrick Belcourt. According to him, this situation could also help rebalance the electoral system and strengthen the role of the opposition: "Finally, we could have an opposition that will go all the way with what it says."