Speaker Phokeer’s Bias Finally Exhaust the Majority

It is true that a potential political alliance with the Mauritius Socialist Democratic Party (PMSD) presented an opportunity to get rid of the Speaker. Sooroojdev Phokeer has recently taken to making a sort of press review at the beginning of each parliamentary session.

Any opposition MP or journalist who criticized him became the target of his ire, with Phokeer condemning, threatening, demanding apologies, or expelling them whenever he is not referring matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

However, after the article in l’Express on July 12, which questioned whether Phokeer would be replaced by Adrien Duval, l’Express did not receive any statement from Sooroojdev Phokeer in the afternoon of the same day when Parliament held an extraordinary session.

The speaker remained silent when, during the Private Notice Question, an MP asked: “Kontinie fer mari. Adrien pou b** to plas.” (You will be replaced by Adrien Duval)

Xavier-Luc Duval responded: “Hey, pa met mo piti ladan.(Don’t involve my son in this matter)”

Before Phokeer being told: “Li piblik sa, ena sa dan l’Express gramatin… De tout fason, Adrien pann demanti.” ( Anyway, it has gone public and same has not been denied)

The silence from Sooroojdev Phokeer was all the more deafening given that the article did not predict his potential replacement at the next legislature, but rather during this week “if the proposal made is accepted by both parties”.

The tension began to rise on July 10 when Xavier-Luc Duval broke his parliamentary silence – he had hardly asked any questions to the government since the PMSD’s separation from the opposition alliance – to take aim at Phokeer, accusing him of being impulsive.

Notably, the leader of the PMSD sided with the opposition, stating that “opposition MPs feel oppressed and find that democratic space in Parliament is shrinking session by session”.

He also wished for a solution to be found, which now seems prophetic.

What is unknown is that the contestation, albeit muted, has been growing even within the majority.

The delayed timing might suggest that these contestations were intended to pave the way for Adrien Duval and simultaneously satisfy one of Xavier-Luc Duval’s demands for Phokeer’s replacement.

However, l’Express has had whispers from certain ministers and senior ministers who have been reserved, if not hostile towards Phokeer.

One minister even declared that “the government could lose elections because of him”.

It appeared that even within his own camp, Sooroojdev Phokeer’s arrogance, bias, and violence have finally worn out even the majority.

The question remained whether his removal will come about through a potential alliance with the PMSD or through internal contestation.

Sooroojdev Phokeer’s statement to Le Défi Quotidien on July 16

”As I reflect on my current situation, I would like to extend my well-wishes to those who have been critical of me.

I am currently undergoing treatment after undergoing surgery on Monday and will be hospitalized for a short period. A second operation is scheduled for Tuesday.

I will be absent from Parliament for a temporary period as I focus on my recovery. I want to assure everyone that everyone is working diligently.

At present, I am concentrating on my medical procedures and hope to be discharged from the hospital by the end of the week.

I will not be attending Parliament on Thursday, July 18, as per my doctor’s instructions, who has advised me to take at least a month’s rest.

I have no complaints or criticisms towards anyone. My primary concern is my health, and I am committed to prioritizing it.”

Source: l’Express / Defi Media