Former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has expressed disappointment with the Budget 2023/24 presented by Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy.
Ramgoolam criticized the budget as “confetti” and stated that it fell short of expectations.
He specifically highlighted the issue of petrol prices, suggesting that the government should have set a minimum price of Rs 54 per liter to address the impact of currency depreciation and rising inflation.
“The danger lies in the ongoing depreciation of the rupee and the rise in inflation. They are hitting us hard. They have taken a lot of money from us, and it seems they will continue to do so. They have taken two cows to give us a teaspoon,” Ramgoolam said.
The parliamentary opposition in Mauritius has also criticized the government for presenting a “populist” and uninspiring budget that fails to address the needs and expectations of the Mauritian people.
Xavier Duval accused the Finance Minister of being “stalled” and lacking measures to restore confidence in institutions. He also highlighted the absence of provisions for students who did not pass exams and the limited efforts to tackle inflation. The increase in old-age pensions was deemed disappointing, falling short of expectations.
Arvin Boolell criticised the budget as serving autocracy and failing to promote economic recovery or improvements in key sectors like the port. Patrick Assirvaden labeled the budget as “indecent” for lacking measures to control prices, such as medication and construction materials. Shakeel Mohamed argued that the proposed minimum wage increase would not adequately address the erosion of purchasing power.
Paul Bérenger acknowledged some measures in the budget but believed that the government could have done more, especially for those at the lower end of the income scale and pensioners. He criticized the excessive listing of locations in the budget speech as a distraction.
Nando Bodha joined the criticism, denouncing the budget as lacking in reforms and specifics, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and the blue economy.
Source: Defi Media
