100s Join 20 km Mahébourg Rally Demanding Pension Return to 60

Hundreds of demonstrators demanding the immediate return of the state retirement age to 60 converged on Mahébourg on Saturday, November 15, culminating a 20-kilometre motorcade and march that transformed the south-east coast into a corridor of protest.

The Fron Komin La Voix Lepep platform successfully mobilised a diverse crowd—including workers, trade unionists, professionals, and retirees—who travelled from Beau-Vallon under a scorching sun to the Mahébourg Waterfront.

Key Figure Calls for Account

The powerful demonstration saw prominent figures address the crowd. Reeaz Chuttoo, President of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers, denounced the raising of the retirement age as a “criminal offence,” estimating the financial loss to pensioners at Rs 1 million per head.

He stressed that the pension is a “lifeline” for many workers, not a “favour,” and condemned the reform for being conducted without transparency, consultation, or being included in the government’s electoral programme.

Leading the motorcade from atop a truck, well-known activist Georges Ah Yan repeatedly chanted the core demand: “The pension must return to 60 years.”

Legal and Social Battle Escalates

The protest signals an escalating legal and social fight against the government’s decision to shift the pension age to 65.

Barrister Sanjeev Teeluckdharry was scathing in his criticism, calling the move the government’s “worst economic, social, and political decision.”

He calculated the financial impact for a couple aged 60 could be a loss of up to Rs 2 million by the time they reach 65.

Mr. Teeluckdharry confirmed that a legal battle is underway, with four constitutional cases due to be filed on Monday, November 17, with a hearing date expected next year.

Ashvin Gudday, a militant negotiator and member of the General Workers Federation, called the march the start of a broader movement, insisting that the general public is “behind us” in the fight against this injustice, especially for low-income workers who rely on the pension after a lifetime of hard work.

Scenes from the Road

The march, which covered seven villages, was set to a backdrop of music, transforming the route with a “festive and tense” atmosphere. Despite the heat, the convoy was met with widespread public support along the route.

Locals on terraces and at windows were seen smiling and offering a thumbs-up in encouragement, with some filming or applauding the procession.

Taxis also joined the chorus of support, punctuating the demonstration with loud, sustained horn blasts.

The rally concluded at the Mahébourg Waterfront, where further sympathisers joined the gathered demonstrators for the speeches.

Source: l’Express