Alliance of Change’s Voice for Economic Change in Mauritius

Kugan Parapen, an economist and candidate for the Alliance of Change in Constituency No. 1, is confident about the coalition’s economic agenda. He believes that only a change in government after the elections on November 10 can restore faith in the Mauritian rupee. Parapen’s primary goal, once elected, is to enhance the population’s purchasing power to help them cope with the rising cost of living.

However, he acknowledged the possibility of facing significant economic challenges and refrained from making grand economic promises. He recently shared details about the Alliance’s economic priorities in an interview with L’Express-Dimanche.

Connecting with the Electorate

As a member of Rezistans ek Alternativ (ReA) within the Alliance, Parapen reflected on his experience engaging with voters in a constituency that was unfamiliar to him.

He noted that his campaign has been smooth, receiving enthusiastic support from residents and collaboration from his fellow candidates, Fabrice David and Ariane Navarre-Marie.

Parapen observed a palpable desire for change among the electorate, coupled with a sense of frustration directed at the outgoing government.

Many citizens are not asking for extravagant changes, but rather for a decent standard of living and solutions to everyday challenges.

Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis

The soaring cost of living stands out as the principal theme of the Alliance’s campaign, as it directly affects all segments of the population.

Parapen stated that the economic hardships have deepened, with the most vulnerable feeling the strain acutely.

He criticized the current government for failing to provide satisfactory responses to these concerns, opting instead for personal attacks rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand.

Parapen linked the current economic crisis, including the decline in purchasing power, to multiple factors, including the deliberate depreciation of the rupee.

He pointed to a significant drop in the value of the rupee against the dollar and a cumulative inflation rate approaching 30% since 2019.

Comparatively, he highlighted the economic resilience of neighboring Seychelles, where its currency has appreciated in the face of similar challenges.

Economic Strategies Moving Forward

The economist firmly attributed the ongoing social hardships to the rupee’s depreciation, stemming from unsustainable governmental practices.

He recalled how previous promises made during the last election cycle necessitated funding through monetary measures that compromised the currency’s value.

Despite acknowledging some relief measures introduced by the outgoing government, such as pension increases, Parapen emphasized that these actions have largely benefitted capitalists, particularly those involved in export-oriented businesses.

He stressed the need for true economic reform that prioritizes local production and stabilizes the currency.

Parapen’s vision for the future included stabilizing the rupee, ensuring that its depreciation does not continue unchecked, and ultimately restoring its value.

He envisioned working closely with the Bank of Mauritius to mitigate speculative practices that undermined the currency’s stability.

Economic Reform at the Core of the Alliance’s Vision

The Alliance of Change is aiming to shift away from the populist policies of the current government, providing innovative economic strategies that could foster sustainable growth.

Parapen is cautious, recognizing that the road to economic recovery is neither quick nor guaranteed, but he is committed to addressing structural issues within the economy.

He critiqued the current administration’s economic management, describing it as catastrophic, and anticipated unearthing significant discrepancies within the Ministry of Finance if elected.

Parapen insisted that the focus should be on real-world outcomes for citizens, aiming to assure Mauritians that their quality of life will improve, even if they won’t be receiving extraordinary benefits overnight.

As the November elections approach, Kugan Parapen is seeking to position himself and the Alliance of Change as the trustworthy alternative to the current government.

He emphasized a pragmatic approach, inviting the population to understand their goals while promising to uphold the interests of the everyday Mauritian.

The party’s policies are focusing on reformative measures to address local economic concerns, tackle social inequalities, and ensure that Mauritius moves towards a more balanced and equitable economic model.

Source: l’Express