Critics Slam Current Regime for Betraying Meritocracy Pledges

Port Louis, 12 August 2025 –Fresh political appointments have reignited controversy in Mauritius, with critics accusing both Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and opposition figure Paul Bérenger of perpetuating nepotism and undermining their own campaign pledges of transparency and meritocracy. Political analyst Lindsay Rivière delivered a scathing critique of recent nominations, stating bluntly: “It’s more of the same.”

Rivière described the latest wave of political appointments as a betrayal of the principles once touted by the Alliance du Changement, which had vowed to usher in an era of competence-based recruitment overseen by an independent, politically neutral Appointment Committee.

Echoing Rivière’s concerns, Nando Bodha, leader of Rassemblement Mauricien, accused both leaders of returning to the very practices they had once pledged to abolish.

“They campaigned on a promise to break with the past — to promote ‘the right person in the right place’ through meritocracy,” said Bodha. “Yet, they have fallen back into the same old patterns of political favouritism.”

In particular, Bodha highlighted Bérenger’s recent moves, including appointments within his own family, as deeply troubling.

Danielle Perrier, a close family relative, has reportedly been named ambassador, while Bérenger’s daughter Joanna has been appointed Junior Minister and his son-in-law Frédéric Curé has taken a senior position at Airports Holdings Mauritius Ltd.

Rivière questioned the motives behind these decisions. “Is Paul Bérenger preparing his departure, or simply rewarding loyalists within his party and family?” he asked.

It’s a major disappointment — Bérenger has always stood for a clear separation between party and state. This is a dangerous slide toward a spoils system.”

He drew parallels with political dynasties of the past, notably the late Sir Gaëtan Duval’s practice of appointing family members to key posts.

“The public sector is being overrun by partisan appointments, with hundreds of positions handed out as political favours, all at the taxpayer’s expense,” Rivière warned.

Bodha went further, accusing the Prime Minister of reinstalling loyalists who had been sidelined after the 2014 defeat. “It’s as though the past decade never happened,” he said.

“Ramgoolam is reclaiming control with the same inner circle, while Bérenger accepts crumbs in return for compliance. The message to the nation is clear: clan loyalty triumphs over national interest.”

Both Rivière and Bodha expressed alarm at the long-term institutional consequences. Rivière argued that constant turnover in public and para-public bodies erodes continuity and professionalism.

“This politicisation is becoming systemic,” he said. “It is choking our institutions and derailing their ability to serve the public effectively.”

Bodha concluded with a call for urgent institutional reform: “Only a truly independent Constitutional Appointments Committee can serve as a safeguard. Without it, our democracy remains fragile — vulnerable to every form of abuse and political betrayal.”

Source: Defi Media