Meeting Set for Ramgoolam and Bérenger to Decide MMM Coalition Future

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his deputy, Paul Bérenger, are expected to hold high-stakes talks this Monday, 16 March, in a final attempt to resolve a government rift before the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM) determines its political future.

The meeting precedes a critical session of the MMM’s Political Bureau (BP) scheduled for later today, where the party will decide whether to withdraw from the governing coalition.

Previous attempts to arrange a meeting on Sunday, 15 March, following the departure of the President of the Seychelles were unsuccessful, and as of late Sunday evening, a specific time for Monday’s encounter had yet to be finalised.

Narrow Margin for Compromise

l’Express’ sources close to the matter suggested there is little room for maneuver. The Prime Minister has reportedly been firm in his refusal to negotiate on the Finance portfolio, a position the MMM appears to have already conceded.

Further complicating the dialogue is the Prime Minister’s noted irritation with Bérenger’s recent public comments regarding Cabinet deliberations—specifically those concerning the Ministry of Tourism and the “Arunasalom affair,” which Bérenger suggested was poorly managed.

Tensions between the MMM leader and the Minister of Financial Services are also being closely monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Internal Party Divisions

The MMM itself appears divided as it faces this crossroads.

While some members view the recent decoration of Rajesh Bhagwan as a sign he may remain in government, others insist such a move would be out of character for the veteran politician, who once famously declared he would “drink poison” before aligning with Ramgoolam.

Furthermore, several party militants have suggested that Bérenger risks isolation if he persists in leaving the government.

He may find himself supported by only one or two elected officials, facing a group of newcomers pushing for a generational shift in leadership in favour of his daughter.

National Priorities

The political instability comes at a time when the Prime Minister is calling for stability.

In his Independence Day message to the nation, Ramgoolam stated clearly that “this is not the time for division,” citing citizen security, the fight against drugs, and economic recovery as the country’s primary concerns.

Notably absent from today’s BP meeting will be Reza Uteem, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for religious rites and is expected to return on the day of Eid.

Source: l’Express