MIC: ‘Why do we go after Rs 45 million but leave the billions to rest?’

Interview: Nita Deerpalsing

‘Why do we not begin with the largest recipients of money from the MIC, such as Maradiva, NMH, Medine, and Omnicane?’

* ‘The current public discontent isn’t just about unfulfilled promises; it’s about the attitude and sentiment people feel toward what they are seeing from the government’

* ‘Paul Bérenger’s criticisms of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM) are seen as entirely justified, particularly given the public “telenovela” that has unfolded in recent weeks’

A year into its mandate, the Alliance du Changement government faces a public that is more aware and critical than ever before. Nita Deerpalsing, in a candid conversation, suggests that judging the government’s performance requires new ‘lenses’—lenses that account for a populace no longer willing to tolerate the old ways of doing business. From the pension debate to allegations of cronyism, she provides a sharp analysis of the government’s decisions.She also addresses key concerns, from the controversial pension reform to the ongoing saga at the Bank of Mauritius, and questions whether the government’s approach truly signals a break from the past.

Mauritius Times: While it’s still too early to make a definitive judgment on the performance of the Alliance du Changement government, do you find reasons to be optimistic about its ability to govern effectively and fulfil its mandate as a united bloc?

Nita Deerpalsing: Let us start with where we were this time one year ago. There was widespread discontent with the previous regime: widespread corruption, nepotism, passe-droits, executive opacity all the more aided by a ‘goalkeeper’ in parliament which blocked accountability. The wife of the former prime minister was reportedly heard in the ‘Moustass Leaks’ giving instructions to high-ranking police officers, to the minister of finance, etc., and making all kinds of derogatory comments on all ethnic groups of the population. All of it served with a huge dose of arrogance, denial of any wrongdoings (“kotmonnfote”). We had really reached a point where our democracy could not breathe. Even before the ‘Moustass Leaks’, it had become clear to decent Mauritians that the previous regime had to go although there was fear of electoral bribes of all kinds, including on the pensions issue.

Therefore, all those who could see the danger of yet another Jugnauth mandate, rallied around the opposition forces. Not because everyone thought the then opposition forces were newly found saints but relatively just a much lesser evil than those in power then.Rightly so, there was tremendous outcry against corruption, nepotism, clientelisme towards those who were the political financiers of the day, wastage/siphoning of public funds, bad governance, a dysfunctional parliament where accountability was stifled instead of flourishing. All of this significantly raised the population’s consciousness about the very injustice that all of these represented. Before we look at the current incumbent, it is important to realise that the sentiment animating the population in October-November 2024 was not a mere passing discontent with a regime. All these above-mentioned scourges were rightly elevated to the status of Public enemies. Keep in mind that once a population’s consciousness is raised to a certain level regarding corruption, nepotism, clientelism, etc., that level of consciousness cannot be wiped out, or lowered at will.* Read More… Become a Subscriber

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 12 September 2025