Suspension of opposition MPs lifted

Three senior opposition MPs who had been hit by a suspension by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sooroojdev Phokeer, for the rest of the parliamentary session – unless they apologize – will finally be able to walk in Parliament again.

L’Express reported that PM Pravind Jugnauth presented a motion in Parliament on Tuesday, to lift the suspension against Arvin Boolell (Labour), Paul Bérenger and Rajesh Bhagwan (MMM).

The reason, he reportedly said, is to “allow all MPs to participate in the presentation of the 2021/2022 budget and the debates that will follow.” The motion was voted.

Jugnauth had himself put the initial motion to suspend the three members of the opposition, effective since March 30.

The suspension had been described as ‘unprecedented’ and could have lasted until the end of the MSM mandate in 2024, unless the three apologized to the Speaker – which they refused.

Instead, they resorted to the Supreme Court to question the constitutionality of the decision.

The PM’s motion came before the Supreme Court ruling.