Gathering at Plaza: Key Points from Paul Bérenger's Speech

Paul Bérenger held a gathering at the Plaza in Rose-Hill this Saturday amidst a crisis within the MMM, as 15 out of 18 elected members chose to remain in government, opposing MMM leader Joanna Bérenger and Chetan Baboolall.

No decisions were made during the gathering. Here are the key points from Paul Bérenger's speech:

• Bérenger outlined four options available to the MMM he leads:

1. Remain in government as "backbenchers."
2. Refer the matter to the MMM's Delegates Assembly.
3. Take the issue to the Supreme Court. According to Paul Bérenger, this "will be very difficult": "We need to assess if it's worth it," he stated.
4. Form a new party, a new MMM, in preparation for the upcoming elections, with the goal of creating an alliance of all progressives in the country.

• Bérenger asked, "Will a by-election in No. 19 clarify the situation and shape the future? This is a question we will not answer today."

• He warned, "If we do not refer this to the Supreme Court, we risk losing our name (MMM), our purple color, and our symbol, the heart."

• "I will not take on the role of opposition leader."

Bérenger insists he will not assume the role of opposition leader but stated he would lead a new party if a new MMM is formed.

• He also mentioned that he would not attend Parliament this Tuesday.

• Bérenger reminisced about the government of 2000-2005 (MMM-MSM) during Sir Anerood Jugnauth's leadership of the Soleil party. "I hope we can have a government like that again," he said. "That was the government from 2000-2005." However, he criticized the "MSM of Pravind Jugnauth" and "the kitchen."

• "My only regret is that the workers seem to be trying to catch up to the MSM."