Resignation of Leader Paul Bérenger: The MMM Faces Possible Survival and a Credibility Crisis

Paul Bérenger's resignation as the leader of the MMM marks the beginning of an uncertain period for the party. Five observers provide their insights, ranging from cautious optimism to stark warnings.

"No one is indispensable." This phrase summarizes Jean-Claude de l’Estrac's view on the upheaval caused by Paul Bérenger's departure. The former minister and political analyst believes that the MMM can survive the loss of its historical leader. He cites examples of the Labor Party, which persisted despite the passing of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the MSM after Sir Anerood Jugnauth, and the PMSD, which, despite being significantly weakened, did not vanish after Sir Gaëtan Duval's departure. "Naturally, the MMM will continue to exist, likely weakened psychologically, but politically resilient," he emphasizes.

Jean-Claude de l’Estrac sees time as a potential ally for the party: "The MMM is in power. The next elections are in three years. It is up to the MMM ministers to demonstrate their value to the nation in the time they have left." He frames Bérenger's departure as a strategic disagreement: "Paul Bérenger, dissatisfied with the government's functioning, wants to move to the opposition. This is the fourth time he has done this." Conversely, he believes that a vast majority within the party sees this move as futile after years of struggle for power. His message to the remaining ministers is clear: "It is not by fleeing difficulty that one helps the country or the constituents."

Dave Kissoondoyal takes a more nuanced perspective, stating that this departure marks the end of a cycle. "For decades, he not only led this party — he was its architect, benchmark, and embodiment of Mauritian activism," he says. Formally, he acknowledges that the MMM can survive, but politically and morally, the situation is more complex. "The MMM was built around a central figure. In his absence, it is not just a leader that needs to be replaced but a legitimacy that must be rebuilt."

He points to a negative perception that immediately undermines any attempt to bounce back. "Those called to take over are already under scrutiny, often seen as players in a contested internal system and sometimes labeled opportunists. Whether we like it or not, this perception weakens any repositioning attempts of the party," he believes. Kissoondoyal considers it premature to speak of a rebirth, stating that the MMM is at a critical crossroads: "It can either engage in a genuine, courageous, and transparent re-founding or lock itself in a superficial transition, risking further weakening. He warns, "A party can survive the departure of its historical leader but never a credibility crisis that remains unresolved."

Historian Jocelyn Chan Low provides a different perspective, emphasizing the uniqueness of the current situation: unlike often-cited examples, the MMM has taken a direction different from that of its own leader. "It has drawn a line, and others have not followed it," he explains, indicating a party out of sync with itself.

For him, the future of the MMM will be determined at the polls. "Everything depends on the electorate. Can we see the MMM grow without Bérenger? The question is simple: without him, what is its weight in the government?" He questions the actual influence of the remaining members in a context he views as likely to become less popular. Lacking sufficient political weight, he does not rule out that these members could blend into the majority or even join the Labor Party. "We will see who the next Deputy Prime Minister will be," he quips. He also warns against internal clientelism and the risk of exploitation against allies. Regarding leadership renewal, he is not optimistic: "No matter who is chosen, they will be compared to Paul Bérenger," mentioning the potential for a collective leadership.

Dr. Avinaash Munohur emphasizes the magnitude of the challenge. "It is very difficult for most Mauritians to imagine the MMM without Paul Bérenger," he states, believing that it is up to the members who remain in government to create the conditions for this transition. He calls for strict adherence to the party's constitution, particularly through internal elections. "This is not an option but an existential obligation," he asserts. Dr. Munohur identifies leadership as the central challenge: "It is not just about finding a replacement — it is about building a team capable of ensuring a transition to a post-Bérenger era." Without this foundational work, he warns, "the MMM risks facing total disintegration in the next elections."

Jean-Luc Mootoosamy focuses primarily on the symbolic significance of the event. "It is a purple door slamming very hard," he summarizes. He interprets Paul Bérenger's action as a result of a lack of internal recourse. The emotional impact is, according to him, considerable: "All MMM members must feel sadness, and this goes beyond the party's framework, as for many Mauritians, when we say MMM, we see Paul Bérenger's face and hear his voice." Nevertheless, he views this resignation as a salutary clarification and calls for calm: "Let us hope that things settle now that decisions have been made, and that the camps that have formed will take responsibility for their choices and respect those of others."

Nita Deerpalsing comments on Paul Bérenger's resignation from the MMM during the "Au Cœur de l’Info" show on Monday, April 13. She believes the quake is total. Acknowledging Paul Bérenger's historical weight — "the man who marked Mauritian politics from 1969 to 1982" — she bluntly assesses what remains of the party: "Those who remain are lightweights. They have become the subordinates of Navin Ramgoolam." She calls for an immediate reaction from the Labor deputies: "They must urgently ask the Prime Minister to review the electoral agreement with the MMM."

Labor deputy Roshan Jhummun takes a more measured stance. "Since I have been following local politics, the MMM was Paul Bérenger, and Paul Bérenger was the MMM," he acknowledges, adding that this implosion was nonetheless predictable given the party's internal turmoil.

Regarding the MMM-PTr relations within the government, he reassures: "For now, everything is okay," asserting that he relies on the parliamentary meeting of the day.

Commenting on Paul Bérenger's resignation from the MMM, Patrick Belcourt, leader of En Avant Moris, believes that "this is not a page or a chapter, but a book closing in the history of politics in Mauritius." As a leader, he understands the weight of such a decision: "After 50 years within his party, this decision must have been very difficult for him to make." Whether loved or hated, the former leader of the Mauves is "an institution in himself. (...) We are witnessing, as Mauritians, a book closing at the political level."