Government Programme Speech, Priorities Outlined

On Tuesday, 4th March 2025, members of the ruling majority took to the floor of the National Assembly to respond to the government’s programme speech. Their passionate contributions outlined bold directions for the upcoming mandate, focusing on youth engagement, cultural promotion, educational reform, and a call for collective responsibility.

Karen Foo Kune: “A Fight for Deserving Youth and a Stronger Battle Against Drugs”

Junior Minister for Sports, Karen Foo Kune, championed the need for true meritocracy and a fortified stance against drug abuse during her address.

Applauding the government’s programme speech, she stressed the urgent necessity of restoring the rightful place of youth in society, distancing it from a previously elitist system under the orange banner.

With fervent conviction, she asserted that all young people must be afforded the chance to thrive without favouritism or discrimination, highlighting the pivotal role of sports and recreation as vital tools to steer youth away from the perils of addiction.

Confronted with the devastating drug crisis, she expressed her trust in the Alliance for Change to enact tangible solutions.

Filled with hope for a stronger collective commitment, Karen Foo Kune challenged everyone to join forces in forging a brighter future for the youth.

She declared that it is high time all young people enjoyed equal opportunities, devoid of distinctions or privileges.

Mahen Gondeea Champions Culture to Strengthen Mauritian Identity

During his address, Mahen Gondeea, Minister of Arts and Culture, laid out ambitious plans for the cultural landscape in the coming years.

Reaffirming his dedication to reinvigorate Mauritian culture, he emphasised the importance of better promoting local and regional artists, not only within the Indian Ocean but far beyond.

He announced an internal audit within his ministry to pinpoint weaknesses and direct investment more effectively, a move he deemed crucial for optimising resources and enhancing Mauritius’s visibility on the international cultural stage.

In this spirit, Mahen Gondeea revealed plans for the establishment of a National Art Commission, tasked with structuring and energising the cultural sector while contributing to the country’s prominence.

He also underscored culture’s vital role in boosting tourism, asserting that this sector could serve as a significant economic driver by elevating Mauritius’s rich heritage and creativity.

Convinced that culture is a foundational pillar of national identity, Mahen Gondeea reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support artists and leverage culture for sustainable development.

Kaviraj Sukon Aims to Revolutionise Higher Education

Kaviraj Sukon, Minister of Higher Education, passionately articulated the need to transform the nation into a genuine “Education Hub,” attracting both local and international students.

He noted that Mauritius already boasts a wealth of brilliant academics among small states, yet this potential remains underutilised.

To address this, he called for a modernisation of the educational landscape to align more closely with labour market demands and technological advancements.

Key initiatives highlighted included the integration of artificial intelligence into university curricula and the creation of programmes tailored to address the realities of tomorrow’s world.

“The future of education lies in technology,” he asserted, elaborating on ongoing consultations with Business Mauritius to bridge employment and academic pursuits, akin to leading international universities.

He also mentioned prospective partnerships with esteemed foreign institutions to assure quality education and bolster Mauritius’s appeal as an academic destination.

Kaviraj Sukon believes that these initiatives will offer a structured environment for Mauritian students while inspiring international youth to study on the island.

Ehsan Juman Calls for Unity and Responsibility

Ehsan Juman, MP for Constituency No. 3, reflected on the loss suffered by the Militant Socialist Movement in the recent elections, bringing to light a series of scandals that surfaced following the government’s fall.

He condemned the millions of rupees poured into the Central Water Authority (CWA), which, despite these immense investments, continues to struggle with adequate water supply.

Citing the Cluny reservoir as a prime example—a project estimated at Rs 1.2 billion that cannot commence operations due to numerous failures—he highlighted this as a glaring instance of ineffective management and a troubling waste of public funds.

Ehsan Juman underscored that the nation is engaged in an extensive national project with many challenges to confront, yet he asserted that these obstacles are not insurmountable.

He believes the key lies in the collective will of all political and social actors to work cohesively towards a common goal: rebuilding the nation and reviving failing sectors.

Minister Juman issued a passionate call for unity and responsibility, asserting that only through collaborative efforts can the nation hope to address these pressing challenges.

Source: Defi Media