Economic Overview Sparks Debate in Parliament

On Tuesday afternoon, December 10, tensions rose in Parliament following a revealing economic assessment delivered by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who also serves as Minister of Finance. The Prime Minister’s report painted a bleak picture of the economic situation left by the previous government, triggering an immediate response from the opposition leader, Joe Lesjongard.

During the session, Lesjongard raised a “point of order,” questioning the nature of the Prime Minister’s statements. “Can I raise a point of order?

The statement made by the Prime Minister falls under the item ‘Statements by Ministers.’

Normally, these should not be contentious since we do not have the right to reply.

Does this mean that ‘Statements by Ministers’ can now be controversial?” he asked, seeking clarification on the rules governing parliamentary speeches.

In her response, Speaker of the National Assembly Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra did not take long to address the opposition leader’s concerns.

“I did not hear the Prime Minister attack any member of Parliament. Maybe it hurts a little bit,” she remarked, before firmly stating, “I will not allow this point of order.”

The exchange highlighted the charged atmosphere in Parliament as members grappled with the implications of the Prime Minister’s economic analysis and the governance challenges the country faces.

Source: Defi Media