Joseph Isangura
Veteran Mauritian politician Navin Ramgoolam was officially sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday, marking his fourth term at the helm of the Indian Ocean nation’s government.
The 77-year-old, who previously held office from 1995 to 2000 and 2005 to 2014, assumed the position after his Alliance du Changement (ADC) coalition secured a resounding victory in Sunday’s general election, winning 60 of 62 seats in the national assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at State House, where Ramgoolam took the oath of office before President Prithvirajsing Roopun. Attendees included senior lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, and government officials. After taking his oath, Ramgoolam addressed the press, expressing gratitude for the electoral mandate and vowing to enact transformative changes aimed at rejuvenating the country.
“The people of Mauritius have spoken with rage,” he stated. “There is a communion between us and the people. We will work to lift the country from its current challenges.”
Ramgoolam’s victory comes amid widespread dissatisfaction with the outgoing administration led by Pravind Jugnauth, whose tenure was affected by a cost-of-living crisis and corruption allegations, despite a reported 7% economic growth last year. The ADC’s decisive win reflects growing public demand for economic and governmental reform.
Ramgoolam’s economic vision has centered on reducing bureaucracy and creating a more favorable business climate. In 2006, he spearheaded a program to streamline taxes and diversify Mauritius’ economy, helping establish the nation as a financial hub between Africa and Asia. Since then, Mauritius, home to 1.3 million people, has continued to be recognized as one of the easiest places to do business in Africa by the World Bank.
Looking ahead, Ramgoolam has committed to prioritizing efforts to tackle economic inequality, improve social services, and address corruption. He is also expected to revisit his previous policies aimed at diversifying the Mauritian economy beyond tourism, textiles, and sugar exports.
