Central Committee: MMM Remains in Government Despite Paul Bérenger's Reservations

A definitive decision expected this Monday

Meeting in the central committee on Wednesday, March 18, in Ébène, the MMM has decided: the party will remain in government at least until Monday, March 23. Paul Bérenger has yet to announce whether he will keep his position as Deputy Prime Minister.

After several days of suspense and indecision, the Mouvement militant mauricien (MMM) is staying in the government. This was announced by party leader Paul Bérenger following the central committee meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, at Hennessy Park in Ébène. A final decision on the way forward will be made by the political bureau during a meeting scheduled for Monday, March 23.

Speaking on behalf of the party’s leadership at the end of the central committee, Paul Bérenger revisited his earlier statements. "For us, the top priority was to remove the Mouvement socialiste militant (MSM), which had become a danger. We have no regrets," he stated, emphasizing that the party has every reason to be proud of its achievements since the general elections in November 2024.

The MMM leader then outlined the conclusions from the central committee discussions: a large majority of party members wish for the party to remain in government. This majority also shares its critiques on what is not functioning and what needs improvement, he noted. Despite this realization, he indicated that an important distinction must be made. "For the MMM to stay in government is one thing; for Paul Bérenger to remain Deputy Prime Minister is another," he clarified. Although the two issues are related, he stressed that they are separate decisions.

Regarding his own position, Paul Bérenger indicated that he had requested the central committee to favor remaining in government for the sake of the country. "As of now, I asked our central committee specifically, after I provided many reasons for this, that it would be better for Mauritius, not for me or the MMM, for us to stay in government," he stated.

However, he noted that he had expressed an opposing view, believing that the MMM should withdraw. "I have ears and I listen to the militants. I haven't heard a great deal of support anew, but I have heard a lot of good sense from the militants, which is perfectly true, but we do not arrive at the same conclusion," he explained.

The political bureau meeting, termed "special" in the current context, has been set for Monday, March 23, to allow all members time to digest the points discussed during the central committee. This delay is also due to the public holidays on Thursday for Ugadi and on Friday or Saturday for Eid-Ul-Fitr, depending on the visibility of the moon.

Paul Bérenger did not dismiss the possibility of convening a special delegate assembly, where only those with voting rights would decide on the party's continuation or withdrawal from the government. "It's a wise decision by our central committee to have accepted this reasoning," he asserted, adding that if such an assembly proves necessary, it will be organized.