Mauritius MP suspended for 5 sessions over ‘disrespectful comments’ towards Speaker

Mauritius opposition MP Arianne Navarre-Marie has been suspended for five parliamentary sessions following comments made towards Speaker Sooroojdev Phokeer during the previous session, on Tuesday, May 23.

The Speaker, after investigation, reportedly confirmed that the MP had directed the statement “You are shouting like a dog” towards him when she was expelled last week.

It was reportedly Minister Toussaint who drew the attention of the House to these comments, which were deemed “disrespectful and in violation of the decorum of the Chamber”.

The Speaker noted that Navarre-Marie did not retract her words or express any regrets. He left it to the House to take “any action deemed appropriate.”

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, supported by Deputy Prime Minister Obeegadoo, tabled a “motion without notice” under Standing Orders 21(9).

The motion resulted in the suspension of MP Navarre-Marie “for today’s sitting and the next four sittings.”

Source: Le Mauricien