Opposition Alliance Proposes 2nd Pension for Widows & Disabled Individuals at 60

During a press conference held on Saturday, September 28, representatives from the Alliance du Changement—including the Labour Party (PTr), the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), the National Union (ND), and newly joined Restorative Alliance (ReA)—discussed their initiatives aimed at supporting seniors.

The conference was closely timed with the upcoming International Day of Older Persons, which falls on October 1.

One of the central proposals put forth by Navin Ramgoolam, the leader of the Labour Party, is to provide a second pension for widows and individuals with disabilities once they reach the age of 60.

This measure would allow these individuals to receive two pensions simultaneously.

In addition to this proposal, Ramgoolam outlined several further actions the alliance intends to pursue.

The second proposal focused on old age pensions, responding to the ruling party’s announcement that an additional Rs 1,000 would be granted starting January 2025.

Ramgoolam is advocating for this increase to take effect immediately, with retroactive application to July 2024.

The third proposal calls for the elimination of taxes on old age pensions.

Finally, the alliance ensuring that the 5% salary increase granted to public servants is also extended to retired civil servants without delay.

While addressing the issue of salary adjustments, Ramgoolam criticized the government’s handling of the situation, describing their approach as amateurish and incompetent.

He condemned the Ministry of Labour’s actions, which reportedly pressure employers under the threat of fines, as illegal and disrespectful.

He emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontation and finding a mutually agreeable solution.

Ramgoolam also referenced a recent report from the Electoral Commissioner that is set to be submitted to the supervising body for a final decision, urging for its public release.

He continued to advocate for same-day vote counting and assurance that no ballot boxes will be removed from polling places to prevent irregularities.

Regarding the alliance with ReA, Ramgoolam mentioned an upcoming meeting between the Red, Purple, and ND parties on Monday, September 30, followed by another with ReA on Tuesday, October 1.

He expressed confidence that they have already reached an agreement on the text that will be signed by all four parties.

When questioned about Kugan Parapen’s position within the alliance, Ramgoolam simply responded with a “nou gete” (we will see), while Paul Bérenger noted he is taking this matter “very seriously.”

Richard Duval, another key figure in the coalition, recounted an incident during a peaceful protest at Résidence Malherbes the previous Tuesday where he, along with Ajay Guness and Michael Sik Yuen, faced aggression from agents of Steven Obeegadoo.

He described the escalation of events when their placards were torn down “in front of law enforcement.”

Duval stressed that, although there might be political adversaries, violence or personal attacks should never occur.

Following this incident, Ajay Guness has lodged a police complaint and the group is awaiting a summons to provide their account.

They plan to closely monitor the police investigation.

Paul Bérenger also criticized the government’s amateurish handling of the issues surrounding salary adjustments, insisting that a legislative proposal be put forth in Parliament.

In a recent Q&A session, he even alluded to the return of Sooroojdev Phokeer to the political arena, stating, “The MSM is in trouble still calling Phokeer to help!”

Source: l’Express