馃嚥馃嚭MauritiusEast Africa
Reza Saumtally discusses 2026-27 budget, focusing on public finance stability and growth
via Le Mauricien3 min read
Reza Saumtally, a Bacbencher, stated that the 2026-27 budget addresses global challenges, uncertainties, and financial constraints, while demonstrating governmental responsibility. He commended initiatives aimed at developing new sectors and strengthening existing ones. Saumtally highlighted that Mauritius ranks as the third country in Africa for highest salaries despite difficulties. He emphasized the budget's role in stabilizing public finances and supporting growth, particularly prioritizing food security in the context of climate change through agricultural modernization to boost production and farmer incomes. Saumtally also noted projects in the blue economy, such as fishing, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology, which are expected to create jobs and reduce reliance on land-based activities. He suggested an aqua farming project with a cold room in Trou-d鈥橢au-Douce. In the manufacturing sector, he praised industrial modernization efforts, focusing on Smart Manufacturing, and advocated for the Caroline industrial zone project. He also welcomed the consolidation of the tourism sector to position Mauritius as a premium and high-value destination. Furthermore, Saumtally expressed appreciation for educational measures, including a 10% budget increase for the Special Educational Needs sector and the strengthening of the Foundation Programme, which he believes will offer young people a better future and a second chance. In healthcare, he welcomed the medical visit project for i
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadAttorney General Gavin Glover provided an update on the Chagos Archipelago situation, noting that the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2019, followed by a UN General Assembly resolution on May 20, 2019, requesting the UK to complete decolonization within six months. He stated that the previous government did not initiate negotiations until November 2022, and a political agreement was reached in October 2024, not a final one. The agreement was eventually signed in May 2025. Glover highlighted that the bill must undergo legislative process in the British Parliament, which is beyond Mauritius's control. He emphasized that the commitment to the Chagos deal is from the British state, not an individual or a temporary government, and the British Attorney General has strongly supported its ratification. Glover also addressed concerns regarding stricter penalties in the Public Gatherings Act, assuring that these would be relayed to those determining the final version. Regarding maternity leave and paid menstrual leave, he clarified that refusing to employ women due to potential motherhood is already illegal in Mauritius under the Workers' Rights Act. Finally, Glover personally supported mandatory drug testing for frontline workers, suggesting it should extend to all who share public spaces, while also stressing the importance of upholding human rights.
Social Integration Minister Ashok Subron opened yesterday's budget debates by addressing the controversy surrounding pension reform and the freezing of the Means Test, which was announced by the Prime Minister on Monday. He stated that these events demonstrate a new form of governance where citizens actively participate in public policy. Subron praised Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's decision to suspend the pension targeting mechanism, noting that "the voices of our citizens were heard" and that this decision reflects leadership based on dialogue. He added that "only truly great leaders possess such courage and wisdom." However, Subron criticized the process leading to the pension system reform, stating that "reforms of this magnitude, I believe, cannot and should not be buried within national budgetary processes." He argued that such reforms should not be conducted under the constraints of fiscal secrecy. The Minister also revealed that he himself learned about certain elements of the reform only upon its presentation, questioning the structural implications for a Minister constitutionally responsible for the National Pension Fund NPF to suddenly learn of its transformation or the dissolution of the Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund PRGF and the National Savings Fund NSF. With the Means Testing now frozen, Subron advocates for a broad national debate on the future of the retirement system, including questions about integrating the PRGF and NSF into a reformed NPF, mandatory
Must ReadThe British government intends to accelerate the ratification of the treaty concerning the Chagos Archipelago. Attorney General Lord Hermer stated before the Justice Committee of the British Parliament that London remains committed to finalizing the agreement with Mauritius in the coming weeks, despite political controversy and reservations from some Chagossians. The UK government seeks to quickly ratify the treaty with Mauritius on the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the strategic island of Diego Garcia. Lord Hermer confirmed that the executive is fully committed to adopting this agreement "in the coming weeks and months." The treaty outlines the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos to Mauritius, a historical claim supported by international bodies such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. Concurrently, the agreement would ensure the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base under a long-term lease, allowing the UK and the United States to maintain this strategic site. However, the agreement faces opposition in the United Kingdom, with some opposition members, primarily conservatives, criticizing it as an excessive concession on a strategic territory. Concerns also include the potential cost and long-term geopolitical implications. The fate of the Chagossians, forcibly displaced between the 1960s and 1970s for the military base's establishment, is another sensitive point. While some support the return of Mauritian s