Bérenger slams Budget 2026/27 as 'deceptive'

Opposition veteran and Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM) leader Paul Bérenger has fired back at the government's 2026/27 Budget presentation, branding the Finance Minister's address as both 'disappointing and deceptive' — strong words that signal a turbulent parliamentary debate ahead. Bérenger, one of Mauritius's most seasoned political voices, did not hold back in his assessment of the budget speech, suggesting that the government's financial roadmap fails to adequately address the pressing concerns of ordinary Mauritians. While the specific policy measures targeted in his critique were not elaborated upon in full, his characterisation of the speech as 'trompeur' — meaning misleading — points to a fundamental disagreement over how the administration has framed the country's economic outlook and spending priorities. This is not the first time Bérenger has clashed with the ruling alliance over fiscal policy. The MMM leader has consistently positioned himself as a watchdog against what he describes as budget speeches that prioritise optics over substance — announcements that sound ambitious in the chamber but deliver little on the ground. **Editorial Insight:** What makes Bérenger's critique particularly significant this year is the broader economic context. Mauritius continues to navigate post-pandemic debt pressures, a cost-of-living crisis squeezing middle and lower-income households, and growing calls for structural reform in social spending and infrastructure investment. If the budget speech has indeed glossed over these structural challenges in favour of feel-good announcements, the opposition's anger may find considerable resonance among voters — especially ahead of any future electoral cycle. The 2026/27 Budget will now face intense scrutiny in the National Assembly, where opposition parties are expected to mount a sustained challenge to the government's financial plan. Bérenger's early and forceful reaction sets the tone for what promises to be a heated debate over Mauritius's economic direction. All eyes will be on whether the government responds to opposition criticism with detailed policy clarifications — or doubles down on its budget narrative.