The Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) and the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) seem to be slowly going towards reconciliation. This could already be felt at the rally each of them organised on Friday to castigate the inhumane budget presented by the minister of Finance. But it was confirmed by Pravind Jugnauth yesterday through a press conference where he said he was ready to start an alliance again with Paul Bérenger. However, there are still a few obstacles on the way for reconciliation. The MSM leader said his condition would be that Ashock Jugnauth joins the MSM again. Moreover he made certain comments that infuriated Paul Bérenger. We are still far from the «love affair» but it seems each is starting to make a step towards the other.

This could already be felt during their rally where they castigated the?ultraliberal budget? of the government but édid not say a bad word against each other - unlike previous gatherings.

<B>No resentment shown during rallies</B>

The public had been used to hearing the MSM throwing insults and showing their disappointment about Paul Bérenger?s attitude. As for the MMM, it was expected to criticise «little Pravind» for not doing what he should do in his party. But the public might even have been a bit disappointed? Neither of them showed any resentment towards the other. On the contrary, some members of the MMM even said they were sad that the opposition had split up?

This may a first step in an attempt to make up with their former partner. After they underwent major defeats in the three latest elections and finally decided to break up their alliance, they may now realise that they are too weak if they are separate.

The Social Alliance is so strong at the moment that their only chance of gathering people would be to make common cause with their enemies of yesterday? With this in mind, these meetings on Friday could only be the beginning of a new story between the two parties.