PMSD Hits Back at Berenger Over Alliance Rumours in Mauritius

The Parti Mauricien Social Démocrate, known by its initials PMSD and commonly referred to as the Blues, has pushed back sharply against Mouvement Militant Mauricien leader Paul Berenger after he floated a series of rumours about the party's internal affairs and future alliances.

Olivier Barbe, a lawyer and spokesperson for the PMSD, addressed the claims directly in an interview with ION News. He denied suggestions that the PMSD was planning an alliance with the Parti Travailliste, the main Labour party led by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. He also rejected speculation that Xavier-Luc Duval, the PMSD's longtime figurehead, could re-enter parliament through the Best Loser system following an alleged resignation by his son Adrien Duval, who is currently a sitting MP. Under that scenario, Adrien Duval would reportedly take the position of Speaker of the National Assembly.

Barbe was blunt in his dismissal. He said all such rumours are false and without foundation, and accused Berenger of using the PMSD's name to distract from problems within his own party, the Front Militant Progressiste, known as the FMP.

The FMP is a relatively new political movement launched by Berenger after the MMM suffered a heavy defeat in the November 2024 general election. The party has struggled to gain traction, and Barbe argued that this lack of credibility is driving its leader to seek media attention through rumour and spectacle.

Barbe did not hold back in his criticism of Berenger personally. He pointed out that Berenger had promised his party's delegates a formal assembly within three months of May, a deadline that has already passed without that meeting taking place. He also called on Berenger to focus on his duties as a Member of Parliament, a role for which he is paid by the state, rather than engaging in what Barbe described as a senseless weekly media performance.

Barbe added that if Berenger wished to pursue a rapprochement with the Mouvement Socialiste Militant, the former ruling party of ex-Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, that was his political right. But he insisted Berenger had no business dragging the PMSD into those calculations.

What this means: Mauritius is currently navigating a busy period of post-election political repositioning. The PMSD, which forms part of the governing alliance, is signalling that it will not tolerate being used as a foil by opposition figures. The exchange also highlights growing pressure on the FMP, which has yet to establish itself as a credible opposition force since its formation, and on Berenger himself to demonstrate relevance as a backbench MP.

Source: ION News