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The opposition saga goes on?
The ?war of attrition? goes on between the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) and the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) through the press. Leaders Pravind and Paul each insist that they have been hurt by the other?s attitude while they do not wish to close all doors. You never know in politics.
After claiming that he would resign as leader of the opposition, Paul Bérenger seems more moderate. This announcement came after a conflict that opposed him to MSM leader Pravind Jugnauth concerning the Mayday rally. But here also, the versions are quite different depending on the person speaking.
According to Paul Bérenger, the only reason for his discontent with Pravind Jugnauth ? which led him to say he would resign ? was the fact that the MSM wanted to go it alone for the Mayday rally while Bérenger was keener on having a common opposition platform.
As for Pravind, he doesn?t see the situation in the same way. He explained that Bérenger wanted him to introduce MSM member Ashok Jugnauth as the next prime minister of the country at the rally ? thus making him give up all his ambitions as MSM leader to become prime minister. He firmly said he would not accept any interference in his party?s internal affairs. Although Bérenger does not hide his affection for ? at least his admiration and confidence in - Ashok Jugnauth, he asserts that he never told Pravind he should make such an announcement on 1st May.
Forgive each other</B>
So, both of them are now disappointed and do not know when they will be able to ?forgive each other?. As there seemed to be a clear break between the two partners, Bérenger declared that he would step down as the leader of the opposition since his party only holds a minority (10 seats) in Parliament compared to the MSM (12 seats).
But here comes a new ?coup de theâtre?! From Pravind this time? The MSM leader insists that the post of opposition leader has never been questioned and that the MSM wants him to remain. As from that moment, all interpretations are possible.
As Pravind was not elected in his constituency during the last general elections, he can?t be appointed as the leader of the opposition even though he is the MSM leader. As a result, this post should come to another member of his party.
While Ashok Jugnauth (Bérenger?s favourite) and Nando Bodha (Pravind?s favourite until recently) were being mentioned in the party?s circles, Pravind Jugnauth surprised everyone by saying it could be a woman. This could have meant Leela Devi Dhookhun if ever the issue had to be discussed. But all this looked a bit too complicated for the MSM and its leader ? who would somehow lose some prestige by appointing one of ?his? members as head of the opposition.
As a result, he insisted that Bérenger should remain in his post at least for the moment. And the latter, who now benefits from a new legitimacy, finally realised that there was no reason for leaving his post? at least for the moment.
Now that this situation is apparently settled, both parties have set out their priorities again. Both the MSM and the MMM said in their latest meeting that they should not fight the wrong opponent. The real enemy is the Social Alliance.
One of the reasons why Bérenger insisted that the Mayday rally be held together was to have more weight and not to give too much importance to the government. But now that it is clear that they will go separately ? the MSM in Curepipe and the MMM in Rose-Hill ? they must not worsen the situation. Paul Bérenger remains the opposition leader; if he does not fight with the MSM, the two parties can at least fight against the Social Alliance. Will this really work in the long-term? If the tension doesn?t fade away, will such a situation be beneficial to the country? With an opposition more interested in dealing with their own little crisis than in making sure the government does its duty, how will the country move forward?
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