Ramgoolam Confirms He Will Run Again and Lead Labour Party

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has made clear he has no intention of stepping aside — either from politics or from the leadership of the Mauritius Labour Party (MLP). Speaking on Thursday, 18 September at Kewal Nagar, Belle-Rive, during ceremonies marking the 126th birth anniversary of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam — the founding father of modern Mauritius and Navin's own father — the Prime Minister delivered a characteristically direct message. "Mo pou re pose moi, mo pou lamem moi, mo pa per pou lagir moi," he declared in Mauritian Creole — meaning, in plain English: "I will stand again, I will lead again, and I am not afraid to act." The remarks firmly shut down any speculation about a generational handover within the Labour Party, which has governed Mauritius since the November 2024 general election after a landslide victory over Pravind Jugnauth's MSM-led alliance. **A Family Anniversary Turned Political Platform** The annual commemoration of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) — who served as Mauritius's first Prime Minister and is widely regarded as the father of the nation — traditionally draws Labour supporters and party faithful. SSR's birthday, 18 September, is a moment of significant symbolic weight for the party. This year, Navin Ramgoolam used the occasion not only to pay tribute to his father's legacy but also to signal his own political longevity. **Ramgoolam Takes Aim at Jugnauth Over Moustass Leaks** The Prime Minister also used the occasion to renew his criticism of former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth over the so-called "Moustass Leaks" affair. The scandal — which surfaced during the lead-up to the 2024 elections — centres on allegations that the previous government purchased and deployed sophisticated data interception and surveillance equipment to spy on Mauritian citizens, including political figures, journalists, and activists. The leaks, which included recorded phone conversations, caused a political earthquake in Mauritius. Jugnauth has so far declined to publicly give his version of events regarding the affair. Ramgoolam did not hold back: "Lin met masin pou ekout tou morisien, aster li pa p kapav kozer" — roughly translated as: "He put in machines to listen to all Mauritians, and now he can't speak." The comment is a pointed jab at Jugnauth's silence and, by implication, an attempt to keep the surveillance scandal in the public discourse. **What This Means** For Labour supporters and political observers, Ramgoolam's declaration is significant. At 74, the Prime Minister is signalling that the next general election — constitutionally due by late 2029 — will again see him at the helm of the party. This effectively closes the door on any internal succession debate for now. For those following the Moustass Leaks saga, Ramgoolam's continued public pressure on Jugnauth suggests the issue remains politically live, and that the government may pursue further accountability measures. Source: ION News