Ex-Speaker Faces Backlash Over Lavish Travel Expenses

In a recent session of the National Assembly, former Speaker Adrien Duval found himself at the center of controversy following revelations about his travel expenditures during his brief time in office. Duval, who served as Speaker for just 78 days, from July 18 to October 5, 2024, had his official travel expenses amounting to Rs 748,112 scrutinized during the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT).

The issue was raised by Labour MP Raviraj Beechook, who directed a question to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam regarding the substantial costs associated with Duval’s three official missions.

The Prime Minister, clearly agitated, condemned the expenses, stating, “I must say I am surprised by these 78 days, given the amount of damage that occurred during that period.”

Eyewitness accounts detailed Duval’s discomfort as he sat across from Ramgoolam, avoiding eye contact and instead focusing on his mobile phone, seemingly attempting to distance himself from the mounting criticism.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam elaborated on the nature of Duval’s travels, which included a trip to India’s Lok Sabha from August 15 to 17, a seminar in China from August 18 to 24 organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) focused on Sustainable Development Goals, and a conference for young parliamentarians in Armenia from September 12 to 14.

Despite these travels, Ramgoolam pointed out that Duval only presided over four parliamentary sessions during his time as Speaker.

The disclosure of such lavish spending sparked outrage among members of the ruling party.

Some MPs voiced that the amount spent resembles a retirement pension for someone who has dedicated their entire career to public service.

In the court of public opinion, many regard these trips as wasteful expenditures, intensifying the ongoing debate over the controversial nature of Duval’s short appointment as Speaker.

Previously, Duval’s appointment had raised eyebrows, interpreted by many as a sign of an alliance between his party, the PMSD, and the Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM).

Although Xavier-Luc Duval, leader of the PMSD and Adrien Duval’s father, publicly denied these speculations, doubts lingered until the dissolution of Parliament announced by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on October 4, 2024.

The following day, Jugnauth confirmed his alliance with the PMSD and its partners via a Facebook post.

Coincidentally, Adrien Duval resigned as Speaker on the same day to run as a candidate in Constituency No. 4 (Port-Louis Nord/Montagne-Longue).

When approached by the media outside the assembly, a visibly uncomfortable Adrien Duval declined to comment, opting instead for a swift exit.

Meanwhile, members of the ruling party did not hold back in their condemnation, labeling the expenditures as “shocking.”

The situation continues to unfold, with growing calls for accountability regarding public spending and the implications of political alliances in Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media