Duval Accuses Bérenger of Concealing FMP-MSM Alliance

Mauritius opposition leader Xavier-Luc Duval has launched a scathing attack on opposition rival Paul Bérenger, accusing him of attempting to cover up a covert alliance between the Fron Militan Progresis (FMP) and the ruling Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM). Duval made these allegations at a press conference held at Astor Court on Saturday, 7 November. He dismissed recent remarks made by the FMP leader regarding rumours of a potential pact between the Parti Mauricien Social-Démocrate (PMSD) and the Labour Party (PTr).

Duval cited the appointment of former minister Joe Lesjongard to the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as clear proof of the understanding between the FMP and MSM. He added that the FMP consistently avoids genuine criticism of the MSM and questioned Bérenger’s credibility in political investigations. Duval referenced historical episodes such as the 1978 Sheik Hossen affair to highlight contradictions in Bérenger's stance. This criticism comes amid speculation about potential alliances between opposition parties in Mauritius.

Alongside his political broadsides, Duval formally announced the recruitment of Ismaël Rawoo to the PMSD ranks. Rawoo, a dental surgeon and former Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) between 2019 and 2024, previously served as an MP for constituencies Nos. 13 and 3. He joined the PMSD after leaving Ivan Collendavelloo’s Muvman Liberater (ML) prior to the last general elections. Duval welcomed Rawoo and stated that the party intends to step up its ground presence leading into next year.

Duval also raised urgent concerns over the government’s handling of the education sector, specifically highlighting systemic failures during the transition from the Extended Programme to the Foundation Programme. Out of an initial cohort of 3,600 students, only 400 successfully progressed to the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD), leaving 3,200 young people lost to dropout or failure. Duval demanded answers from ministers on how 3,200 children could simply vanish from the school system.

The PMSD leader called for proper support structures to accompany compulsory education up to the age of 16. He warned that a child without education is a child without a future. Duval’s comments come as the government faces scrutiny over its handling of the education sector. The issue has sparked concerns about the country’s investment in its youth and the long-term implications of these systemic failures.

Duval also addressed national economic management, urging the government to adopt mid-year budget revisions. He pointed to modern practices in nations such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and Canada. Duval proposed reviewing the VAT registration threshold for small businesses, warning that current rules stifle economic activity, raise costs, and fuel inflation. He emphasized the need for the government to adapt to the current economic climate.

Duval pressed the government to disclose how it intends to deploy newly created fiscal room, citing revised economic figures. These include a 7% rise in GDP and a drop in the public debt-to-GDP ratio from 88 per cent to 81%. The PMSD chief defended the practical necessity of political alliances to attain government, noting that his party would focus on building its political work and expanding its presence across the country.

Key points

• Duval criticizes Bérenger for allegedly concealing a pact between FMP and MSM.
• The PMSD leader raises concerns over the government's handling of the education sector.
• Duval urges the government to adopt mid-year budget revisions and review VAT registration thresholds.