Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-04-16 15:00:18
The PTr-MMM alliance gathered yesterday its activists from constituencies Nos 11, 12, and 13 at Jagarnath Hall, La Rosa, as part of the mobilization for the May 1st meeting. The General Secretary of the Labour Party, Ritesh Ramful, was the main speaker at this first meeting organized since the departure of the PMSD from the alliance, focusing primarily on the leader of the latter party.
“Xavier-Luc Duval says that an alliance with MSM is a rhyme. If Xavier Duval’s PMSD associates itself with MSM, it will not only be a betrayal towards its own electorate but towards the Mauritian nation,” he declared. He invited those who do not agree with the PMSD to join the PTr-MMM alliance.
“You cannot argue with us and be against us at the same time. We will not accept that,” said Ritesh Ramful. He mentioned how, after independence, the iconic leader of the PMSD, Sir Gaëtan Duval, formed an alliance with SSR’s PTr in the name of the country. He listed the series of scandals that have marked Pravind Jugnauth’s regime and that have been denounced by Xavier-Luc Duval in his role as the opposition leader over the past three years through his Private Notice Questions (PNQs).
“We must respect and congratulate him for these important PNQs on important issues,” he continued, adding that Xavier-Luc Duval had left the government because it wanted to jeopardize the independence of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). “Today, with the Financial Crimes Commission and the actions of the police commissioner, the MSM is doing worse,” he estimated, considering that Xavier-Luc Duval would be forced, in case of an alliance with the MSM, to swallow his pride.
Pradeep Jeeha, on his part, believes that the elections are not far away and certainly not next year as the Prime Minister and leader of the MSM, Pravind Jugnauth, wanted to make people believe. He thinks that after having exploited the population for the past ten years, Pravind Jugnauth wants to give the impression that he will be generous before the upcoming elections.
Lormesh Bundhoo, chairing the meeting, stated that the alliance’s objective remains to “overthrow the Jugnauth government in the next general elections” despite the departure of the PMSD. He mentioned that “there will be passengers who will board the train along the way. They will be welcome. Others, the cats, will jump off. But that’s life.” He revisited the scandals that have marked the MSM government’s two terms: “Wakashio, Covid, the Molnupiravir affairs, former minister Yogida Sawmynaden, Hurdoyal, Angus Road, Sun Trust…” According to him, if Sir Anerood Jugnauth were here, “he would win hands down,” referring to the slogan “results on results” that Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth claims was inspired by the PMSD.
Manoj Seeburn maintains that “the MMM/PTr alliance is unique and historical to defend the country’s future with a fresh start for the nation.”
Ashley Ramdass warned the audience about the power and force of the mafia and money. “Do not underestimate the power of the mafia and money in this election,” he said.
Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, also Secretary of the Union of Private Secondary Education Employees (UPSEE), denounced that “the educational system has failed while basic education is essential for all development.” He also criticized the proliferation of drugs in the country and the treatment given to Franklin, accused of money laundering, before flying first class on Air Mauritius to travel to La Réunion for his criminal trial.
Anishta Babooram emphasized that it is time to give back the country’s freedom as in 1968 when the country gained independence. She regrets that “Pravind Jugnauth has turned our democracy into a dictatorship.” Anishta Babooram also stressed the need for women to have a voice, referring to the rising cost of living and increasing domestic violence in society, pointing out that “even in Parliament, when a woman raises her voice, she is shut down.”
Tony Apollon, an MMM member, compared the former opposition leader to Judas, arguing that “Paul Bérenger gave him the position of opposition leader, he gave him his worth.”
For Rajen Narsinghen, the Supreme Court’s decision to freeze the re-registration of SIM cards pending its judgment in May is a credit to the judiciary and a blow to the government.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
