Navin Ramgoolam, a seasoned Mauritian politician, was sworn in as the country’s Prime Minister for a fourth term on Wednesday, a decade after his last time in office. This came after his political coalition, Alliance du Changement (ADC), won a landslide victory in the general elections.
The coalition secured 60 out of the 62 national assembly seats, with 62.6% of the votes. The swearing-in ceremony took place at State House, attended by lawmakers, diplomats, and senior officials, marking a major political shift in the Indian Ocean island nation.
At 77, Ramgoolam returns to the political forefront after having previously served as Prime Minister from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014. Following his swearing-in, he addressed the public, acknowledging the deep frustration that led to the election result.
He described the country’s vote as being driven by “rage” and promised to transform Mauritius. Ramgoolam emphasized a connection between his government and the people, asserting that his administration would work towards improving the nation’s future and lifting it out of its current difficulties.
Ramgoolam’s previous tenure saw significant economic reforms, particularly in 2006 when he introduced a program to streamline bureaucracy and simplify taxes. His policies aimed to reduce dependence on traditional sectors like tourism, textiles, and sugar exports, promoting diversification.
Mauritius Welcomes Navin Ramgoolam’s Return as Prime Minister, Promising Reform and Unity After Landslide Win
Over the years, Mauritius has evolved into a robust offshore financial hub, with the World Bank consistently ranking it as the easiest place to do business in Africa. Under Ramgoolam’s leadership, the country saw consistent economic growth and modernization.
In contrast, outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who held office since 2017, struggled with declining popularity despite presiding over an economy that grew by 7.0% last year. His administration was plagued by a cost of living crisis and allegations of corruption, which significantly tarnished his public image.
Moreover, his handling of the Chagos Islands issue, which involved negotiations with Britain over the territory’s status, further sparked controversy and discontent among many Mauritians.
Ramgoolam’s return to power follows a period of political and economic turbulence under Jugnauth’s leadership. With a strong mandate from voters, he has pledged to address the nation’s challenges and work toward a more prosperous and united Mauritius, drawing on his previous experience in government to enact transformative changes.
