Opposition and extra-parliamentary MPs are joining forces for the big ACIM rally this Saturday in the streets of the capital without any restrictions on the number of vehicles. They are fierce in their convictions in this constitutional fight. Apart from the price hikes on fuel, household gas and amenities, they are demanding general elections as soon as possible.
This meeting, which was intended to announce the guidelines for tomorrow’s rally, served instead to explain why this government must be replaced. This grouping will all have made the same point as Jayen Chellum, which is: “The MSM government has squandered all the funds in the country. All additional taxes must be removed before the budget. They don’t agree with this process of raising prices before the budget and lowering them at the budget! We cannot accept this game of the doctor torturing before giving the medicine”.
Motizil – “The government doesn’t care about us”
The participants were all fired up. Percy Yip Tong, during his intervention, considered that “the government is not only deaf but also blind. While it was seen that the population has been able to attack even the Central Barracks following the increase in household gas, the PM increases the price of fuel immediately after. The government doesn’t care about us”.
MMM-” Devaluing the rupee to cover deficits”
For Adeel Ameer Meeah, MP and deputy leader of the Militant Socialist Movement, “petrol has increased by about 50%. This is the result of squandering, bad investments and the devaluation of the rupee by 50%.” He listed the scandals as follows: “The BAI affair cost Rs 20 billion, Betamax more than Rs 6 billion, investments do not bring in any profits, the proof being that the Metro Express, which costs more than Rs 20 billion, has reported a shortfall of Rs 500 million in its first year report. And now, there are requests for loans for extensions. The SBM can no longer pay dividends because of its disastrous financial situation. Mauritius Telecom, which had declared Rs 782m in dividends in 2019, has declared only Rs 161m in 2020. The government has found no other way than to devalue the rupee to make up for these deficits. The dollar is out by Rs 30 to Rs 45. This is not a depreciation of the rupee but a devaluation. Thus, all imported products are more expensive. And worse for fuel with the lot of taxes, namely Levy, Duty and VAT. This is a deliberate policy of the government, as by devaluing, it gains more revenue. This inflationary effect results in lower growth and higher unemployment. Finally, the Rs 9000 old age pension is only equivalent to Rs 4500”.
PMSD- “The country is heading towards a wreck”.
Dr Mamade Khodaboccus, of the Mauritian Social Democratic Party, said that “it has already happened that petrol on the world market was at $147 a barrel and at that time, petrol was selling at Rs 50. Now, petrol costs $109 a barrel and the government is making it sell at Rs 74.10. Where is the logic? The country is on its way to a wreck. We must have a general election as soon as possible to save the country”.
RM- “400,000 families earn less than Rs 10,500”
Raffique Khoddabux, of the Rassemblement Mauricien, said that “the increase in fuel prices affects all amenities. According to the latest calculations, more than 400,000 families are earning less than Rs 10,500. In the middle of the month, these families are penniless! The state coffers are empty and the government finds no other way than to increase taxes to pay for itself. We are paying the price for the government’s failure”.
Vinesh Moheeputh, of the Reform Party, suggested that “the government is not talking about the minimum wage base of these countries as a comparison to justify fuel prices”. Ivan Bibi lent him a hand in this point. The Activist also added a layer on the subject of elections by claiming “the right to vote to the Mauritian diaspora in the world” following the right to vote to foreigners of Common Wealth in Mauritius. He also mentioned that “the Seychelles and India are lowering the price of petrol and here, it is the opposite. The problems are not Covid or the war in Ukraine!”
LPM – a confirmed 30% to 50% reduction in fuel consumption
Bruneau Laurette denounced the “mismanagement and incompetence of the government. They are like in a competition of What’s the Worst We Can Do?” He also returned to his point made at the LPM’s night meeting in Plaisance on Thursday evening: “The elected representatives were asked to forgo their petrol allowance of Rs 18,980 per month until prices are brought down. But this has not yet been passed! On the other hand, the Petroleum Retailers Association has confirmed that fuel consumption is 30% to 50% lower since the Fuel Strike. The Operation Go Slow is also a success. Tomorrow is the big day for this demonstration of strength. I invite all those who want to change things to come down to Port Louis tomorrow, it is a fight of conviction by and for all Mauritians. Pravind Jugnauth represents division but not the nation”.
ACIM – police instructions
ACIM Secretary General, Jayen Chellum concluded that this Rally is a victory after winning against the Police. “There is no limit on the number of vehicles. We invite cars, motorbikes, vans and trucks to participate. However, participants must not leave their vehicles to walk on the streets or gather. They will not be allowed to sit on windowsills, they must not obstruct the view of other motorists with signs and the procession must drive on the left and pass-through places of worship, the hospital and the town hall without honking or speaking through megaphones. We must not go against the Covid Act”. The rally will start at 2pm at Volcy Pougnet Street, near the pagoda. The police force will be present in the streets mentioned in the rally itinerary.
Below the Itinerary:
