Towards a Mini Cabinet Reshuffle

Following Paul Bérenger's resignation from his position as Deputy Prime Minister on Friday, a mini cabinet reshuffle is being prepared at the Prime Minister's Office. Although no official decision has yet been made by Navin Ramgoolam, several scenarios are already being discussed from both the Labour Party and the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM).

MMM parliamentarians and ministers believe that this position should, in fact, remain within their party. The name most frequently mentioned is Arianne Navarre-Marie, with Rajesh Bhagwan also being considered, albeit to a lesser extent. However, it appears that no formal discussions have yet taken place, either internally within the MMM or with the Prime Minister.

On the other hand, within the Labour Party, there is a faction advocating for the Deputy Prime Minister position to be filled by one of its members. Patrick Assirvaden's name is being circulated as a strong candidate to succeed Paul Bérenger. This option would reflect a desire to strengthen the Labour Party's influence within the executive, particularly in a political context marked by internal tensions within the MMM.

According to sources within the MMM party, it would be "premature and inappropriate" to discuss a succession at this stage. Nonetheless, they indicate that the head of government should make a decision by Tuesday. An executive committee of the MMM, which includes Ajay Gunness, Reza Uteem, and Rajesh Bhagwan, is in ongoing contact with Navin Ramgoolam to monitor the situation's evolution.

15 MMM MPs Meet the PM

On Friday around 5 PM, 15 MMM deputies — except for Veda Baloomoody, who is currently receiving treatment abroad, and of course Paul and Joanna Bérenger — met with the Prime Minister at the Treasury Building. Navin Ramgoolam was "very attentive" during the discussions. It is worth noting that Veda Baloomoody sent a message to the head of government assuring him of her support.

Before this meeting with Navin Ramgoolam, the Mauves had gathered at the office of the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Ajay Gunness, to review the situation and discuss subsequent events.

Removing Paul Bérenger

Internally, the MMM will hold a political bureau meeting on Monday, after which the calling of an emergency central committee is expected to be announced. The central committee will need to decide whether or not the party will remain in the government, a vote that could not be organized during Wednesday's meeting.

Furthermore, a consensus appears to be forming among the Mauve parliamentarians: Paul Bérenger can no longer remain either as leader or even as a member of the MMM. However, a formal decision is still awaited, depending on future developments.

Finally, Joanna Bérenger's situation remains unchanged at this time. She still holds the position of Junior Minister for the Environment while awaiting any decisions related to the cabinet reshuffle.