Government Programme 2025-29: A Vision for a Fairer, Sustainable Future for Mauritius

On Friday, for nearly four hours, seventeen elected representatives addressed Parliament, under the watchful eye of Speaker Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra. The debate resumed following a Private Notice Question, as ministers, junior ministers, and National Assembly members took turns to outline their visions and commitments to realise this programme.

Anishta Babooram: Empowering Women and Social Reform

Junior Minister for Gender Equality, Anishta Babooram, passionately reiterated her commitment to championing women’s rights.

She paid special tribute to victims of violence, infanticide, and abuse, condemning the devastating effects of drugs and other social scourges on families and calling for profound societal change.

Babooram highlighted the challenges faced by women in politics, particularly those from the Alliance of Change, who were targeted during the election campaign.

She proposed constitutional amendments to increase women’s representation in Parliament, the creation of job opportunities, the establishment of equal pay, parental leave, and flexible working arrangements to better balance work and family life.

She also addressed the dire conditions faced by women in prison and underscored the importance of education for children, stressing the anticipated reforms aimed at rehabilitating youth.

To close, Babooram lauded the government’s commitment to fostering a more equitable society that respects human dignity.

Dianette Manan-Henriette: Equity and Sustainable Development in Rodrigues

Dianette Manan-Henriette, MP for Rodrigues, expressed her frustration at the enduring inequalities between Rodrigues and Mauritius.

Despite gaining autonomous status in 2022, she believes the island still faces unequal treatment regarding political representation and infrastructure.

Rodrigues is represented by only two MPs, while other Mauritian constituencies have three, despite comparable elector numbers.

She raised concerns about the lack of modern infrastructure, major projects (hospitals, dams, leisure facilities), and deficiencies within the healthcare and education systems.

Acknowledging government efforts in education and school nutrition, she called for increased support for unemployed youth and measures to reduce the cost of living on the island.

Finally, she emphasised the need to enlarge the airport and port to enhance the region’s economic autonomy.

Kaviraj Rookny: A Call for Change from the Outgoing Government’s Legacy

Kaviraj Rookny, representing constituency No. 5, sharply criticised the MSM government’s management over the past decade for corruption and neglect of the populace.

He highlighted stalled development in Rodrigues and other areas, citing persistent issues such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and failing public services (water, electricity, housing).

He raised alarm over the rising tide of crime and violence against women and children, which he attributed to the previous government’s inaction.

To remedy this, he advocated for strengthened public order and laws, governance rooted in justice and integrity, and reforms to international tax agreements to invigorate Mauritius’s financial sector.

Shridhur Jugurnauth: Sustainable Development and Local Autonomy

The MP for No. 14, Shridhur Jugurnauth, focused on the needs of Savanne-Rivière-Noire.

He decried years of unfulfilled promises and called for priority reforms: modernising public transport with reliable bus services; greater autonomy for district and village councils; and improved waste management and environmental conservation.

He also stressed the revival of the tourism sector and support for local agriculture.

Anabelle Savabaddy: Commitment to Social Justice and Development

Anabelle Savabaddy, the MP for No. 4, expressed her determination to improve conditions in her long-neglected constituency.

She prioritised meritocracy and equal opportunities; access to quality housing and education; and the rights of women and children.

Manoj Seeburn: Education and Economic Revitalisation

Representing constituency No. 11, Manoj Seeburn shared his journey from poverty to education, which he attributed to free education introduced by the Labour Party in 1977.

He highlighted priorities such as inclusive education with better access to tertiary levels; the development of a blue economy harnessing ocean potential; economic revitalisation; national unity; and collaboration to secure a prosperous future for Mauritius.

Jacques Edouard: Autonomy and Development for Rodrigues

Jacques Edouard, the Rodrigues MP, endorsed the ambitious and pragmatic 2025-2029 government programme.

He highlighted the need to bolster Rodrigues’ autonomy, resist administrative interference, enhance representation in key institutions, develop essential infrastructure including water, health, and education, and improve broadcasting with the introduction of private television.

Reza Saumtally: Greatness Through Citizen Collaboration

MP for No. 10, Reza Saumtally, asserted that “the greatness of Mauritius relies on the collaboration of its citizens” and emphasised that the time for action is now.

He spoke of the importance of effective education for children and lamented school dropouts, insisting on the necessity of educational reform.

He assured that electoral reform would be implemented to prevent the reappearance of past issues and “uphold Mauritian values”.

Saumtally also condemned the previous government for its undemocratic behaviour, exacerbating inequalities, and mismanaging public funds, notably the regrettable investment of Rs 5 billion to monitor the population.

Ludovic Caserne: Concern Over Drug Proliferation

Ludovic Caserne, MP for No. 4, expressed grave concern over the unprecedented rise in drug use, particularly synthetic drugs, over the past five years, which has inflicted immense suffering on families.

He commended the establishment of a National Drug Agency and the government’s commitment to “solidify democracy against various attacks from the former regime”, along with amendments to restore powers to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Caserne lamented that the former government postponed municipal elections three times, stripping five cities of their right to elect local representatives.

He also criticised their choice to spend Rs 5 billion on surveillance instead of addressing the rising cost of living, worsened by failures in water distribution efforts.

Avinash Ramkalawon: Prosperity in Various Forms

MP for No. 9, Avinash Ramkalawon, spoke of diverse prosperity—democratic, digital, environmental, industrial, and societal—praising the government’s intentions for a new economic model.

He stated that the population would benefit from parallel imports of medicines, free internet access, revitalisation of local agro-industry to reduce dependency on imports, and public transport reform.

He declared that the future lies in digitalisation and emphasised the importance of preparing youth for this transition.

He praised the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to integrate AI across sectors and the introduction of Mobile ID for secure online access to services.

However, he was critical of the previous government, accusing it of impoverishing the populace through a cycle of consumer debt.

He pointed out that the reduction in fuel prices is a tangible benefit, saving families up to Rs 1,000 monthly.

Kugan Parapen: Returning Mauritius to the Mauritians

Kugan Parapen, junior minister for Social Integration, pondered what legacy we would leave for future generations.

“Shall we build a bridge to the future, strong and wide enough for the entire Mauritian society to cross easily?”

He proposed the slogan “Let Mauritius be Mauritius again” as an excellent starting point for democracy and the separation of powers, suggesting, “Let Mauritians own Mauritius again.”

He did not spare the former regime in his critique, asserting that “values and principles typically associated with our country have been attacked, diminished, and sliced by the previous government.”

He briefly addressed Parliament in Kreol Morisien, receiving a warm response from Speaker Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, who noted it was International Mother Language Day.

Stéphanie Anquetil: The ‘Bajanomics’ of the Former Finance Minister

Stéphanie Anquetil, MP for No. 18, returned to the ‘Bajanomics’ of former Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy, accusing him of steering the Mauritian economy into a disastrous decline driven by MSM’s culture, lacking a solid macroeconomic foundation.

The current government must make the economy “more dynamic, flexible, and robust”.

She reflected on Parliament being “perpetually turbulent” under the previous regime, recalling humiliating experiences with former Speaker Sooroojdev Phokeer, and her determination to dream of a Mauritius where every citizen can freely exercise their rights.

Fawzi Allymun: Pride in Serving the Nation

Fawzi Allymun, MP for No. 15, expressed his pride in serving the country alongside Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Vice Prime Minister Paul Bérenger.

He commended the swift decisions made which have already improved citizens’ lives, notably the reduction in fuel prices.

“Despite inheriting a catastrophic economy, this change government has succeeded in paying the 14th month.”

He also highlighted improvements in the ICT sector, stating there was no longer a need to re-register SIM cards.

Following the 60-0 defeat dealt to the MSM, he noted the electoral victory of 11 November 2024 was a win for all Mauritians and stressed the need for ongoing improvements to citizens’ lives.

Patrick Assirvaden: A Time-of-Use Tariff for Electricity

The Minister of Energy announced an exploration of a possible time-of-use tariff due to rising energy demand during peak hours.

The proposed system would see consumers pay a higher rate during times of high demand and a lower rate during off-peak hours.

“We discourage electricity use when the CEB is under pressure,” he stated, highlighting that over 100,000 air conditioners are estimated to be running between 6 pm and 9 pm, exerting considerable pressure on the network.

He hinted at updating aged equipment to prevent crises akin to South Africa’s frequent power cuts, while lamenting the catastrophic state of water management, indicting the former government’s failure to fulfill promises of consistent water supply made in 2014.

Chitraduthsing Lukeeram: The Urgency of Combatting Drug Trafficking

Chitraduthsing Lukeeram, MP for No. 12, focused on three urgent areas: drug trafficking, health, and the state of courtrooms.

He emphasised that addressing drug trafficking concerns us all, highlighting the need for the National Coast Guard to be adequately equipped and for patrols to counter illegal maritime activities.

He called for an explanation for the rise in drug users. Highlighting health, he noted that Health Minister Anil Baichoo conducted a surprise visit to Mahébourg Hospital, revealing alarming deficiencies in services and coordination, a situation tolerated by the previous government.

Lukeeram finished by deploring the poor condition of courtrooms, asserting that adequate facilities would enhance respect and restore dignity to the judicial system.

Sydney Pierre: Diversifying the Tourist Offering

Sydney Pierre, junior minister for Tourism, stated that he chaired a public-private committee that morning at the minister’s request, aimed at assisting the private sector through the low season.

He reported stagnating tourist spending, which has fallen by 7% over the past decade, with tourists currently spending just over Rs 5,500 per day in Mauritius.

He termed this decline unacceptable and affirmed that he and Minister Richard Duval are committed to diversifying the tourism offering.

Pierre acknowledged that the current state of infrastructure is lamentable, asserting, “There is much to rebuild.”

Arianne Navarre-Marie: Family Support as a Necessity

The Minister of Gender Equality articulated that the governmental programme represents an ambitious contract aimed at eradicating systemic inequalities and promoting a fair, inclusive society, grounded in family stability, work-life balance, and gender equality.

Acknowledging past mismanagement of closed centres subject to vandalism, she invited the Speaker to visit the Women’s Centre in Abercrombie to understand the extent of the damage.

She expressed her belief that merely giving a few thousand rupees to families wouldn’t solve their problems, stressing that empowerment and family support are essential.

Arianne Navarre-Marie confirmed that the government is committed to dismantling barriers to women’s employment in Mauritius, highlighting the economic toll this injustice takes on the nation.

She identified gender-based violence as a national emergency requiring immediate action, promising revisions to domestic violence laws for enhanced protection and legal recourse for survivors.

The session concluded with Jean Francisco François, MP for Rodrigues, raising the issue of the horrific murder of a 16-year-old girl that sent shockwaves through the island. The Minister responded appreciatively, assuring that necessary actions would follow.

Source: l”Express