Government Alliance Under Tension: Several MPs from the MMM Push for Status Quo
A crucial day for the MMM (Mouvement Militant Mauricien). The party is deeply divided: on one side is the Bérenger faction, advocating for a departure from the government, while the majority of MPs prefer to remain. This Wednesday afternoon's central committee meeting could determine the future of the historical leader, Paul Bérenger, within the party. Behind the scenes, there are talks of forming a new political party.
Are we heading toward another major split in the MMM, similar to those in 1983, 1993, or 1997? The party faces a critical political moment this Wednesday at 3:30 PM, with the central committee meeting at Hennessy Park Hotel in Ébène.
This meeting, deemed decisive, will allow the party's leadership to hear Bérenger's arguments on why he believes the MMM cannot remain part of the government and Parliament. An increasingly visible internal dissent is driven by a majority of party MPs who want to influence the political direction.
At this point, Paul Bérenger remains Deputy Prime Minister and is not expected to submit his resignation before the meeting, even though his decision seems made. However, the outcome of this meeting could accelerate events. Close circles to the leader assert that central committee members will have unprecedented information on the discussed issues. It is also indicated that discussions may be broadened, leading to more in-depth exchanges and possibly formal positions.
A Signal of Defiance in Parliament
Tuesday marked a turning point in the party's internal dynamics. With Paul Bérenger absent from the National Assembly, thirteen out of eighteen MMM elected members were present in the chamber. This mobilization is interpreted — and intended by the key players as — a clear signal of defiance against their leader's stance.
Moreover, on Monday at the political office, a majority of these thirteen MPs expressed their support for the MMM's continued presence in the government. Absent from Parliament were Paul Bérenger, Joanna Bérenger, Chetan Baboolall, as well as Reza Uteem and Veda Baloomoody, who are currently overseas.
According to sources close to the parliamentary group, consultations are ongoing among the members who want the MMM to remain in government to define a common strategy for the central committee. The option of a motion of censure against the leader is not favored at this point. However, the possibility of a formal vote on whether or not to keep the party in the government is being discussed. If the central committee votes for the status quo, Paul Bérenger will be de facto in the minority, making his position untenable.
"With a clear vote, we can claim the name, heart, and color," confides a source, emphasizing that the legitimacy of the political line should come from the party's instances rather than solely from the leadership. In this logic, a favorable vote for continuation would legitimize the MPs to remain in government on behalf of the MMM, regardless of their leader's personal decisions. This position is based on an institutional reading of the MMM's functioning: the political line should be collectively defined and not unilaterally.
The Party Line at the Heart of Tensions
This approach clashes with Paul Bérenger's strategy, who, during Monday's political office meeting, outlined the reasons he believes the MMM can no longer remain within the executive. Among the concerns raised are issues related to the country's economic situation. The purple leader argues that managing public finances requires a full-time Minister of Finance.
He also mentioned an increase in corruption, questions regarding certain appointments within public institutions, and sensitive matters such as Air Mauritius. A project related to liquefied natural gas, supported by Qatar to meet the energy needs of the Central Electricity Board (CEB), was also mentioned among the concerns.
Towards the Creation of a New Political Party?
Beyond the immediate debate about remaining in government, deeper scenarios of political reconfiguration are being discussed. In Paul Bérenger's circle, it is indicated that one option being considered is his departure from the MMM, accompanied by the creation of a new political group.
According to these sources, the leader has already expressed during the political office the possibility of calling on the "progressive forces" of the country to form a new political party for the upcoming general elections in 2029.
Rajesh Bhagwan: "My Presence in Parliament in Bérenger's Absence Says It All"
The Secretary General of the MMM, Rajesh Bhagwan, states that he will adhere to the decisions of the party's instances. In a statement to the Défi Media Group on Tuesday evening, he reiterates his commitment to internal discipline: "I have always chosen the party's instances, and the central committee will make the decision it needs to make." He emphasizes the central role of this instance in guiding the party's political direction.
Rajesh Bhagwan also points out that the activist base in his constituency, No. 20 (Beau-Bassin/Petite Rivière), is largely in favor of continuing governmental participation. "I have consulted many activists in the constituency, and the vast majority wish for the MMM to remain in government," he states, adding that "my presence in Parliament in Bérenger's absence explains it all."
The minister emphasizes that he will align with the final decision: "I will side with the decisions made in the central committee." He highlights his loyalty to the activists: "If I have reached where I am, it is thanks to the activists." Lastly, he asserts that what is central to his actions, including as a minister, "is the well-being of the country and the activists."
