May Day political gatherings have long been tradition in this country and while they used to be a measure of the popularity of political parties, they are now slowly turning into a lukewarm kind of folklore. A reality that major political parties seemingly choose to ignore. Both the majority coalition MMM-MSM and the opposition analysed yesterday the aftermath of their meetings. It is no surprise that both blocks are ?satisfied? with their respective turnout.

While the deputy prime minister attributes the ?success? of the meeting to the people?s recognition and appreciation of the government?s ?hard work?, the opposition leader is comforted in the ?knowledge? that people turned up in such large numbers because they have become ?disillusioned? with ?a government that has lied to them and taken them for a ride.?

By and large, observers agree that the opposition gathered a bigger crowd at Quatre-Bornes, despite the claims of the majority. The MSM leader estimated his crowd at 8,000 while the Alliance sociale gathered some 5,000. Meanwhile, the prime minister, who was not present at the press conference, is said to be waiting for the official NIU reports before commenting.

The opposition, to borrow the affectionate term used by the majority to refer to its opponents, has been quite demagogic in its estimates. Figures ranging from 30,000 to 12,000 have been thrown to the press. The latter, having been there, agrees on the more reasonable figures of 6,000 for the opposition and 5,000 for the majority.

But, at the end of the day, all this is beside the point. The majority lured its followers with the promise of an announcement by the PM. This coupled with the notion of a ?rendez vous with history? (as Paul Berenger?s constituents would be able to celebrate their leader?s accession to primeministership) brought the event to a climax.

No action against Sylvio Michel

For many, it was a real anticlimax when the ?important? announcement turned out to be that a ?winning formula for the next elections will be found in due time.? Bottom line, the public came out of the meeting none the wiser. It seems the PM?s partner also is none the wiser as the ?winning formula will be discussed with my friend Pravind Jugnauth when I have finalized it.?

On the other hand, it seems that the ruling coalition partners have made a commitment to each other - at least that much was clear last Saturday. The probability that both parties will go together to the next general elections seems greater by the day. The ?winning formula? might thus have a lot to offer Pravind Jugnauth?s MSM despite what the perception was a few weeks back.

The opposition seems to be thinking along the same lines. The subtle flirting with the MSM has given way to disdain and anger for the ruling majority. As opposers at a time when people are fed up with rising living costs and a constant struggle to make ends meet while the perception is that ?horses are eating while cattle are toiling?, the social alliance is not surprisingly seen as the ?liberator?, as the one who will ?give power back to the people? while the government is ?handing it on a plate to their capitalist friends.?

Along those same lines, Navin Ramgoolam, already in the election mood, has asked for a referendum on electoral reform. ?It is unthinkable that this government will make such an important amendment to the electoral system without the blessing of the people.? The opposition leader has argued that the matter was too sensitive to be just another ?consensus? between the partners of the majority.

At his assessment conference yesterday, the opposition leader seemed genuinely pleased with himself. He noted a ?resistance in the population to the far right approach of the majority.? Pravind Jugnauth, on the other hand seems to think that labour MP Boollell?s declarations on a private radio after Saurday?s meeting reflect the ?defeatist? mood of the Labour party.

Another sore subject for the majority is the absence of minister Sylvio Michel from the May Day gathering. The latter and other Les Verts members were busy showing their non-commitment to the government, allowing themselves to put forward arguments that should never have been aired as long as he is a cabinet member. ?May those who are thinking of sacking me think twice.? The idea of collective responsibility seems to have been replaced by individual threats, which seem to be working, if Pravind Jugnau-th?s reaction to minister Michel?s attitude is anything to go by.

Asked for his reaction, Pravind Jugnauth has admitted to being ?very disappointed? by Sylvio Michel?s absence from the MMM/MSM platform in Rose-Hill but he has assured that ?no action will be taken? concerning the latter. This situation has already given ammunition to the opposition. ?A government that is being held in hostage because they fear elections.?

While awaiting the official NIU report and an explanation of the ?winning formula?, the population will have to listen to the promises of the social alliance? while reminiscing about the ?fiasco the labour government was while in power,? says Pravind Jugnauth. One last thought. Those who decided to give the meetings a miss and go for a picnic in Ebene must be laughing today?

Mourning the good old days

While MMM followers were busy celebrating the accession to the office of prime minister of a former trade unionist, who is accused by his long-lost friends of having ?renounced his ideals?, another of those fighters was meeting with his comrades in a more sober atmosphere.Trade unionist Jack Bizlall had tears in his eyes as he mourned those who ?some thirty years ago dedicated their youth, intelligence and creativity to the workers and who have now betrayed this struggle by renouncing honesty and integrity.?