PM Ramgoolam: The Country Has Deteriorated Over the Past 10 Years

In a heartfelt 12th March’s address, commemorating the 57th anniversary of our nation’s independence and the 33rd year of the Republic, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam delivered a sobering message: the country has seen a significant decline over the last ten years.

Addressing the contentious issue of the Chagos Islands, Ramgoolam asserted that the previous administration had brokered a deal “without the knowledge of the people.”

However, he assured the public that the Alliance of Change is actively working to renegotiate the agreement.

“We are in the midst of renegotiating our sovereignty over the Chagos Islands with the United Kingdom.

There must be no ambiguity concerning our claims to these territories,” he emphasised.

Ramgoolam reminisced about the economic and social conditions at the time of independence, stating:

“The country was very impoverished,” while acknowledging the groundwork laid by preceding leaders.

“Everything established before independence has been dismantled since the new government took over in 2014.

What we built after independence has also been destroyed. Instead of progressing, we have regressed.

A mafia-like regime has taken control of all levers of power for the benefit of a family clique.

They distorted the figures to fabricate an illusion of progress.

The rupee has lost 46% of its value, causing a rise in consumer prices.

They diverted taxpayers’ money to acquire sophisticated equipment intended for surveillance on Mauritians.

Unprecedented repression has taken place. They have engaged in money politics while allowing drug barons to operate freely,” he expressed with evident frustration.

The Prime Minister noted that the Parliament, once a symbol of democracy, has become a source of ridicule for democrats, criticising a Speaker who acts as a political shield for the former Prime Minister.

He claimed the selection for opposition interpellations is manipulated.

“V-Dem analysis has classified the country as an autocracy. Fraud and corruption have run rampant, endangering national unity.”

Yet Ramgoolam expressed unwavering faith in the determination of the Mauritian people.

“It has not been simple to dislodge the mafia regime, but the population has demonstrated remarkable patience.

On election day, with a pen and a cross, the people swept it away. The Mauritian populace is truly admirable. The recent elections were a triumph for freedom, unity, and democracy,” he asserted vigorously.

He recognised the daunting task ahead for the new government, inheriting a nation in chaos.

“We continue to discover the extent of the damage wrought by the previous administration,” he remarked, affirming that the government possesses a resilient team.

“My colleague Paul Bérenger and I are collaborating closely, alongside Ashok Subron and Richard Duval, committed to doing what must be done and working diligently to get the country back on track,” he reassured.

In response to those growing impatient, Ramgoolam asked for understanding, suggesting that if they were to grasp the scale of the damage, they would realise there is no quick fix for the situation.

Consequently, he laid out a three-phase plan for recovery. First, they must assess the economic landscape:

“The findings are devastating, yet we have initiated preliminary measures. Inflation has stabilised around 2.6%.”

Additionally, the constitutional powers of the DPP have been restored.

“We have reinstated the rule of law,” he declared, underscoring the significance of the right to vote, as demonstrated by the impending municipal elections set for 4 May, with counting taking place on the same day.

On the international stage, the country has encountered setbacks, nearly facing suspension from SADC due to unpaid contributions.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister reassured that his government has made advances to resolve this issue, referring to his inaugural foreign mission at the African Union summit as a pivotal step forward.

Source: Le Mauricien