Presidential assent to Finance Bill sparks union anger over pension reform

Haniff Peerun, president of the Mauritius Labour Congress MLC, described the decision as "deeply regrettable and saddening," questioning the President's independence. Peerun stated that during a meeting, President Gokhool had given the impression he would carefully consider union concerns regarding the financial impact on the elderly and future universal pension beneficiaries. The unions feel that assurances were not followed through, and the President chose loyalty to the government and Prime Minister over asserting independence.

Peerun emphasized that the presidential role requires courage and independence, especially when the public interest is at stake, noting that the President's salary and privileges are taxpayer-funded. Jane Ragoo of the Confédération des travailleurs des secteurs privé et public CTSP expressed little surprise but was astonished by the swiftness of the assent, as Gokhool had indicated he needed time to study the voluminous document. Atma Shanto also deplored the decision, viewing it as approval of the government's "unilateral" approach without civil society discussion.

He contrasted Gokhool's decision with former President Cassam Uteem, who resigned in 2002 after refusing to assent to an anti-terrorism law. Shanto linked the reform to a long-standing effort by the International