Joanna Bérenger Appointed as New Vice-President of the MMM

In a recent decision made during its meeting on Saturday afternoon, January 11, the Central Committee of the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM) appointed Joanna Bérenger as the new Vice-President, succeeding Franco Quirin. Bérenger, who currently serves as Junior Minister in the Ministry of Environment, represents constituency No. 16 (Vacoas/Floréal).

The committee’s decision stemmed from concerns regarding Quirin’s recent actions and his noticeable absence from various MMM meetings following his non-appointment as a minister after the November 10 general elections.

Although Quirin has been a member of the MMM’s Central Committee for over 15 years and a representative for constituency No. 20 (Beau-Bassin/Petite-Rivière), his position within the party has become increasingly tenuous.

According to Defi Media sources within the party’s political bureau, Quirin’s situation became untenable after his failure to secure a ministerial position, despite being offered another significant parliamentary role, which he declined.

“There are certain things we prefer not to discuss, but Quirin’s behavior has been unacceptable.

We understand his disappointment at not being appointed minister, but he distanced himself from the party,” a political bureau member commented.

Since 2010, Quirin has overseen sports issues within Parliament for the MMM and expected to be appointed as the Minister of Youth and Sports.

However, that role was ultimately assigned to his party colleague, Deven Nagalingum.

Quirin’s status within the party had appeared uncertain in the days leading up to the committee meeting.

When contacted by Le Défi Plus on Friday, January 10, he stated he was on vacation and planned to address the situation upon his return.

In addition to Bérenger’s appointment, the Central Committee also made another significant change, selecting Anil Seeruttun as the new Assistant Treasurer following Robert Hungley’s resignation from all MMM roles after becoming Vice-President of the Republic.

Seeruttun, a loyal party member, has been part of the political bureau for over a decade and previously contested elections in constituency No. 5 (Pamplemousses/Triolet), where he was not elected but remained actively involved in campaigning for the Alliance du Changement.

Furthermore, Fawzy Allymun was named as the new Assistant Secretary of the MMM, filling the vacancy left by Dave Kissoondoyal’s resignation from all party roles on August 30.

Allymun was elected in constituency No. 15 (La Caverne/Phoenix) and was sworn in as Junior Minister of Local Government on November 22.

These developments reflect significant shifts within the MMM as it navigates leadership and party dynamics ahead of future political endeavors.

Source: Defi Media