Economic Impact of the War in the Middle East: 'The Country Comes First,' Says PM

"Everything has become more expensive. It is beyond our control. We understand that our country must come first." This was stated by Navin Ramgoolam on Tuesday, April 14. The Prime Minister (PM) commented on the economic repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East while speaking at the official celebrations of Tamil New Year held at MGI this afternoon.

"Whether rich or poor, this war will have its impact. Several countries have already declared a state of economic emergency because they have had to take very drastic measures. We are facing significant disruptions in the supply of oil, gas, and fertilizers. And in Mauritius, we import almost everything. Everything has become more expensive. It is beyond our control. We understand that our country must come first. All these repercussions will be felt. Currently, we are focused on three things, including the supply of basic necessities as well as assistance for those at the lower end of the economic scale," emphasized Navin Ramgoolam.

"There is no gas available. There may be a shortage of bread. We will not have any. Thankfully, we always have India here to help us," said the PM. He mentioned that he is in talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. "We will make a government-to-government agreement to ensure our supply of oil and gas from India to avoid shortages. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Indian government," added Navin Ramgoolam.

The head of government mentioned that he is leading a crisis committee on the economic impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. "We are studying the best options available to us in the interest of the country. (...) We must protect our population to the maximum. We are aware that some measures are difficult, but they are necessary. They will be temporary. Once the war ends, we hope to be able to rectify things," affirmed the PM.

According to Navin Ramgoolam, "what we are doing is not for us. We could easily make popular decisions. But no. We need to focus on the country. Our country must be our priority. In difficult times, it is responsibility, and indeed collective solidarity, that can minimize the impact of war. Every time our country has faced difficulties, even adversities, everyone has come together to meet those challenges, and we have succeeded," he stated.