Mauritius has Entered an Era Where Fiscal Dependency Has Become the Norm

As Mauritius approaches what many are calling the most “decisive” legislative elections yet, Alexandre Laridon, a doctoral candidate in law at Paris-Nanterre, raised concerns about the lack of substantive debate among the island’s major political parties. He believes that critical discussions regarding the type of society Mauritius aspires to, participatory democracy, constitutional reform, equal opportunities for all Mauritians, and climate change are notably absent.

“Governance is about foresight,” Laridon asserted during an interview at his home in Port-Louis.

“In recent months, we’ve witnessed a bizarre political game where populism and political grandstanding overshadow the pressing issues facing our nation.

It is essential to pause and reflect on issues that affect everyone, without partisan considerations, to truly respond to the aspirations of Mauritian society.”

Laridon has been vocal about international issues, having warned of the implications of Brexit for Mauritius back in 2016.

Now, his focus is on encouraging every Mauritian, regardless of political alignment, to consider challenges that go beyond empty political rhetoric.

The Rise of Fiscal Dependency

“The reliance on social assistance has transformed into a pervasive form of dependency over the last few months,” he explained.

“We have exceeded reasonable limits under the Welfare State. For instance, is it economically viable to offer interest-free bank loans to young people aged 18-35?

What are the criteria for these loans? We’re caught in a spiral of dependency, without demanding any effort in return. Social aid has become the norm.”

Laridon pointed out that economists are continuously advocating for reforming our working methods to enhance efficiency, yet their insights often go unheard.

“It is disheartening that many politicians remain fixated on slogans, clichés, and superficialities. How can we elevate the political discourse if we treat our citizens as if they possess a lower level of understanding?

It seems that politics is occupying an exaggerated space in our society.

Media outlets should also invest more in their educational mission, helping to foster citizens’ understanding of basic economic concepts, environmental issues, solidarity, and equity.”

The Role of Education in Citizen Formation

Laridon stressed the need for a more effective political discourse that extends beyond election campaigns.

“Throughout the election period, the daily media focus remained on political matters.

However, once the elections concluded, there is little interest in the societal projects proposed by parties.

Citizens in every city and village should have the ability to track whether these projects are truly being implemented and whether the ruling party is honoring its commitments.”

He emphasized that understanding these commitments requires a prior educational foundation.

Every governmental project should undergo civic reflection during election campaigns, compelling candidates to address critical questions and clarify their plans for resource allocation and strategy.

“We must cultivate a sense of civic responsibility independent of party politics,” Laridon argued.

“This awareness can be fostered through our education system, which should encourage critical thinking from an early age.

Students must be equipped to recognize the potential perversions present within our society.

Our educational framework ought to emphasize the history of Mauritius and its economic, social, and cultural transformations.”

Challenges of Modern Society

He noted that recent advances in information and communication technologies, along with the rise of artificial intelligence, are disrupting traditional social connections in Mauritius, whose cultural fabric has drawn from diverse continents.

“The mobile phone has eroded family ties and has established new types of relationships that reduce physical interactions.

Mauritius is a small island where everyone is interconnected, and the school environment plays a crucial role in fostering social interaction, cooperation, and community spirit.”

Laridon highlighted the dual challenges presented by the current education system varying greatly depending on whether students attend state or private institutions.

This disparity raised questions about whether educational systems serve as vehicles for social mobility or perpetuate existing inequalities.

The shifting dynamics of labor—especially the growth of sectors such as finance, law, and communication—have also contributed to the emergence of a new class of high-skilled professionals from various communities across the island.

Simultaneously, a younger generation, heavily influenced by social media, is increasingly adopting foreign cultural models, presenting new economic, social, and cultural reference points that must be considered when analyzing the transformations occurring within Mauritian society.

As the nation is looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Laridon’s insights call for a more profound reflection on the critical issues that shape the future of Mauritius, encouraging a collective effort to move towards a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Source: Defi Media