Constitutional review and VVIP pension reform discussed in cabinet and parliament
via Le Mauricien5 min read
A constitutional review, with a focus on electoral system reform, is underway, as indicated by discussions at the Government Hotel ahead of a recent ministerial council meeting. These deliberations served as an initial round of observations among stakeholders, particularly partners of the Alliance du Changement, on this sensitive issue. Further high-level government working sessions are planned before the final draft of amendments is approved. One key legislative text under consideration aims to abolish the requirement for general election candidates to declare their ethnic affiliation on nomination forms. This proposed change, which requires a qualified majority in the National Assembly, would impact the relevance of the Best Loser System and aligns with a condition set by Rezistans Ek Alternativ during the November 10, 2024, general elections. The upcoming National Assembly session on Tuesday will feature 71 interpellations, with 26 allocated for Prime Minister's Question Time. Among these, a question from Ram Etwareea, a majority backbencher, will address the pension formula for former presidents, vice-presidents, ministers, and retired parliamentarians. He will ask the Prime Minister to provide a list of beneficiaries and the monthly budget allocated, and to state whether the government plans to review the current parliamentary pension formula. Other topics for the parliamentary session include Roshan Jhummun's question on police officers arrested in drug trafficking inve
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Must ReadThe Ministry of Health services has identified two confirmed cases of Mpox, involving a 46-year-old Mauritian and a 31-year-old Comorian. Both individuals recently traveled to Madagascar, where several Mpox cases have been reported. After initial treatment at Victoria Hospital in Candos and Jeetoo Hospital in Port-Louis, the patients were transferred to Souillac Hospital, which has a specialized isolation unit. The interim Director of Health Services, Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, stated that a medical team is closely monitoring them. The Comorian patient initially left the hospital after being identified as a suspected case but was later located by police and placed in the southern facility. Both patients are in stable condition. As these are imported cases, the Ministry of Health is rigorously tracking them and has initiated contact tracing to prevent further spread. Two additional individuals are currently in isolation. In other public health news, Chikungunya cases have significantly increased, with 1,577 cases recorded from January to April 23, and 90 active cases. The most affected areas include Rose-Hill – Stanley, Camp Levieux, and Plaisance, with the epidemic also progressing towards Quatre-Bornes, Boundary, and Roche Brunes. Leptospirosis has claimed a fourth victim this week, with 16 cases identified since the beginning of the year. The Director of Health Services urged the public to seek medical attention for symptoms and for manual workers, such as sanitation workers, to
Must ReadEleven months after the Chagos Deal was signed, confirming the restitution of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritian sovereignty and marking the final stage of Mauritius' decolonization, London and Port Louis are engaged in an operation to "Keep the Pot Boiling." A British delegation, led by Robbie Bulloch, Director, Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate and Lead Negotiator; Peter Candler, Senior Diego Garcia Treaty Negotiator, Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate; and Paul Mckell, Legal Director, held a working session with the Mauritian side, led by Attorney General Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel. The British officials were also received by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam for an exchange of views. British High Commissioner Paul Brummel accompanied the delegation. A statement from the Government Information Service confirmed that the two delegations discussed the Chagos Archipelago's restitution to Mauritius, with Mr. Bulloch highlighting the need for an agreement to finalize the treaty. The head of the British delegation stated that the meeting with the Prime Minister was an opportunity to exchange views, while recalling that Mauritius and the UK have been working closely for many years. Robbie Bulloch indicated that the key to the deadlock on the Chagos Deal lies with the Americans, with President Donald Trump needing to approve amendments to the Exchange of Notes of December 30, 1966, concerning the Chagos. He also emphasized that "all parties concerned must reach an
The National Drug Control Commission NDCC held its inaugural meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, marking a significant step in the government's anti-drug efforts. The National Drug Control Masterplan 2026-30 was approved during this meeting, as stated in an official communiqué from the Prime Minister's Office. The NDCC includes eleven ministers whose portfolios are relevant to drug issues, such as Attorney General Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel, and the Chief Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Franceau Grandcourt. The NDCC serves as the central body overseeing the National Anti-Drug Commission NADC. The meeting aimed to introduce the new NADC leadership, assess current actions, and define future steps. Prime Minister Ramgoolam emphasized that the fight against drugs is a national emergency, as outlined in the 2025-29 government program. He advocated for a modern, data-driven, and coordinated approach, highlighting the need for a comprehensive response beyond just repression. Kunal Naik, CEO of the NADC, presented progress from the Technical Working Group on National Cannabis Policy Reform, with a press conference planned to detail its recommendations. Discussions also covered National Stakeholders Consultations to ensure policies are adapted to local realities. NADC Chairperson Nadia Peerun noted the Prime Minister's strong signal in validating the Masterplan, which now tasks the NADC with its implementation. The government's clear commitment t
Must ReadA joint maritime operation led to the interception of 271 kilograms of drugs, valued at an estimated Rs 3.498 billion, and the arrest of two suspects. The seized narcotics included 121 kg of cocaine, 108 kg of heroin, and 42 kg of cannabis. The operation began on April 9, 2026, after the Regional Coordination Operations Centre RCOC and INTERPOL alerted the Mauritius Police Force to a suspicious vessel in Mauritius' exclusive economic zone. Authorities from Mauritius, La Réunion, and Seychelles, supported by FAZSOI, collaborated in the intervention. The National Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft conducted five sorties to locate the vessel. On April 15, 2026, French authorities intercepted and boarded the target vessel, identified as the MV RULER, where the drugs were discovered. The seized drugs were subsequently destroyed by French authorities, with samples retained for forensic purposes. Domestically, the Mauritius Police Force mobilized units including ADSU, the Maritime Intelligence Cell, and the National Coast Guard's Maritime Air Squadron. On April 16, 2026, two suspects were arrested at sea while attempting to retrieve the cargo. They have been provisionally charged and detained, with additional evidence seized to aid the investigation. This operation highlights strengthened regional cooperation, supported by a recent memorandum of understanding between the Mauritius Police Force and FAZSOI, and aligns with the 2026-2028 strategic plan to combat drug trafficking.