Mauritius opposition MPs suspended after violent row with Speaker

Two opposition MPs, Joanna Berenger and Rajesh Bhagwan, were suspended on Tuesday’ parliamentary sitting – during the debate on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill. 

Berenger has been suspended for the next three parliamentary sittings for uttering the word “coward”.

Rajesh Bhagwan was suspended over alleged “offensive” words addressed towards Speaker Sooroojdev Phokeer. The MP has been suspended for the five parliamentary sittings.

Paul Bérenger was also expelled from the Assembly after a heated exchange with the speaker. This was followed by a walk out of the opposition.

Labour Party MP Arvin Boolell, who had been expelled for 8 sittings last year, is expected back in Parliament at the next session.

Meanwhile, the debates focussed on Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy’s request for a supplementary budget of Rs 5, 417, 000, 000.  The amount is expected to be used for the Social Housing Project and the Waterfront Project in Deux-Frères.

Source: Defi Media