Ministers Joe Lesjongard and Renganaden Padayachy faced the press this morning. The IBA (Amendment) Bill was one of the subjects commented. Joe Lesjongard insisted that “the Labour Party and the PMSD cannot point fingers at us regarding freedom of expression”.
The MSM President deplored all the criticism levelled against the President of the Republic. Commenting on the demonstration in front of the parliament on the day of the vote on the amendments, Joe Lesjongard stated that “everyone must assume their responsibilities”.
He also denounced “the agenda of some members of the opposition in and out of parliament”. Their aim, he said, is to undermine our institutions. “They do this systematically. But I know that not everyone in the opposition agrees with this dangerous strategy. I hope that those who do not agree get their act together because the Court must continue to be respected,” says Joe Lesjongard.
He also stated that the number of contaminations has decreased this week. However, we must stay vigilant and respect social distance and other sanitary measures.
He referred to the fake news about the daughter of a minister who would not have respected the protocol. He added that this fake news spread in the country like wildfire. It took a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister to stop it. For Joe Lesjongard, it is damaging to the country. He said he strongly condemns “demagogy, rumours and lies”. They can, according to him, disrupt the stability of the country. He insisted that people can criticize the government in a democracy, but he believes that it is dangerous to come up with false news.
Acting Tourism Minister and Energy Minister Joe Lesjongard is adamant that the French government’s decision to place Mauritius in the “Scarlet Zone” alert level is unfair.
“It is a blow for the country and tourism, because following this decision, morale is at its lowest in this sector. Many in the sector are worried and sad,” he said.
Nevertheless, a line to talk has been opened between the two countries so that this decision is reviewed, reassures the minister. “Discussions have taken place at the highest level of the state,” says Joe Lesjongard.
