by Pauline ETIENNE

What is MP Guimbeau trying to do? After leaving his former party, the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) to join greener pastures ? the Parti Mauricien Social-Démocrate (PMSD) ? a party that would itself join the government, he seems to be dilly-dallying again. ?The government is driving us to leave?, he has revealed. What is he waiting for then?

The MP from the PMSD might no longer know what to do. He knows he does not agree with what the government is doing through its policy of democratising the economy but he does not want to leave the boat. You never know ? his leader, Maurice Allet, might finally get an office as a minister?

Otherwise, why would he beat about the bush without ever taking the final decision? Unless he is waiting for other doors to open for him before he leaves the alliance in power. He indeed boasts of his good relationships on both sides of the house.

At least, Eric Guimbeau has the guts of voicing out his frustrations. He does not agree with all the government proposals and dares to say it. We can?t say the same thing for all MPs ? far from it. However, what is he crying for if he does not take the appropriate steps? Will he continue to be in an alliance when he is against almost all decisions taken?

The power of the PMSD is negligible as it constitutes a tiny minority in the government. Both Maurice Allet and Eric Guimbeau have kept on saying that the Social Alliance is a democratic authority where every member has the right to say when he/she disagrees. But how useful is it for partners of the Social Alliance to take a stand if they will not be listened to?

So far, the government has not breathed a word about Eric Guimbeau?s recriminations. Would it be different if it felt that there was a real risk that he joins the opposite side? My feeling is that the prime minister does not care about Eric Guimbeau?s mood because he feels the latter likes his seat in the majority too much and would not leave it for anything in the world.

The PMSD will have to make up its mind. It can?t go on castigating all decisions taken by the government while remaining part of it ? probably hoping that the party will finally get the representation it deserves in the government. The party is trying to have its cake and eat it. Meanwhile, it is losing even more credibility?