Three MSM ministers faced the press yesterday morning. They were the Minister for Financial Services and Good Governance, Mahen Seeruttun, the Minister for Social Inclusion and Social Security, Fazila Jeewa Daureeawoo, and the Minister for National Infrastructure and Community Development, Bobby Hurreeram. The 2023-2024 budget, the Vimen Sabapati affair and the struggle of the government and the Prime Minister were the dominant themes.
Mahen Seeruttun maintained that the 2023-2024 budget was prepared in a particular, complicated and unprecedented context and where we have been facing multi-shocks since 2020. “The results are encouraging. In 2022-2023, economic growth represented 8.7% despite an unprecedented contraction. We are expecting growth of 8%, a 60% reduction in public debt and a budget deficit of 2.2%,” he said.
The Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance also reported on the reopening of our border and tourism activities. He added that the FDI had reached several billion, despite campaigns to prevent tourists from coming to Mauritius. He also commented on the flourishing of the financial and ICT sectors.
According to the Minister, the government is working hard to achieve success. We will continue to revive the country and pursue our philosophy and ensure economic development and the improvement of human living conditions”, he stressed.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, focused not only on the many measures relating to her ministry, but also on the education and health sectors. She believes that a balance between economic and social development is important to preserve peace and social harmony in the country.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity focused her speech on the Marshal Plan to provide financial assistance to the needy, and the Rs 20,000 allowance for 18-year-olds, among others.
The Minister of National Infrastructures and Community Development, Bobby Hurreeram, said that the 4th budget demonstrated the determination, vision and courage of the government, under the leadership of Pravind Jugnauth, to improve the quality of life of the population and move the country forward.
Focusing on the budget debates, he argued that some members of the opposition have shown common sense, unlike others who demagogue and act like ‘clowns’. “The opposition is at the end of its rope with the good measures announced in the budget,” he believes.
In response to questions, Bobby Hurreeram said that the police and the courts should be allowed to do their job regarding Franklin’s case.
Regarding the contents of the USB stick, the ministers emphasized the statements made by the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth. He had said that the police should be left to investigate. They also explained that the ICAC should act on the basis of tangible evidence.
