The newly elected President of France, Mr François Hollande, said and did a few things that have me impressed profoundly. In his inaugural speech, he said, I quote: “Je ne déciderai pas de tout, pour tous et partout.” What a sharp contrast to our political leaders who think that they are the best thing since sliced bread and that they are more apt to decide for us all the time or tell us how to run our life. If we decide not to acquiesce, we are labelled as gormless.
The other thing that the new President did, was to travel in an ordinary car without the usual elaborate trappings compared to the colossal sums of money spent on buying luxurious cars with all the modern gadgets for our lords and masters. Perhaps, there are salutary lessons for them, that is learn to be humble and accept that they don’t necessarily know best in all circumstances. It is deplorable to note that the opposition is allowing itself to be influenced and swayed by the leaders of the government on what should remain top of the political agenda at any given time. For example, the projected municipal and district council elections that have been delayed more than once, on somewhat spurious reasons at times, should have remained the priority of priorities yet the opposition talks about them in dispatches, much to the satisfaction of the government.
Whatever happened to electoral reforms, probably put away in hibernation by those in power and the opposition continues to talk about it episodically, instead of keeping in the forefront. No doubt there are also other important issues that should be in the limelight but are not because the government chooses to shift the focus on something else when the pressure becomes too much to bear and the opposition just follows suit.
One of the main problems of the opposition is that it does not have a shadow cabinet and the responsibility to talk about various themes falls squarely on the shoulders of the leader of the opposition at his weekly press conferences.
If it did have spokespersons for each of the major issues confronting the country, the government would be under relentless pressure to provide answers to burning questions. Instead, once the heat is on, the government can shift the attention to other matters and put the difficult ones on the back burner.
Until and unless, the opposition reviews its tactics, the government will continue to have a fairly easy ride and that includes a number of occasions when its performance can be termed as abysmal and full of choonisms (a new word in the vocabulary to signify ping clangers).
It is high time that the opposition review its modus operandi and make changes accordingly. This should apply whatever the political configuration is, that is should the government and the opposition swap places at the next general elections.
Commentaires
The Opposition Not Oppose
Interesting observation from Claude Canabady about its modus operandi. It seems that the Government has got the opposition in its pocket. It sets the political agenda, and the opposition just dance to its tune. The main issue seems to be that there is a lack of cohesion, and therefore, lack of strength in their argument. The difficulty is that the opposition party, namely the MMM, has always had one spokesperson from its inception, who is obviously the great leader. You may recall while they were in power in the year 2000/2005, the great leader was always speaking on behalf of his ministers, including the Minister of health and education. Almost as if they were not existent. It is perhaps, time for the leader of the opposition to start sharing his responsibilities, which also means sharing his power with his fellow colleagues and comrades. Setting up shadow ministers would be a good start. This, in the end, could make them a credible opposition.
Opposition Coalition
Mr. Canabady, Mauritius is beyond the shadow of a doubt genuinely oppressed by the actual Opposition Coalitions hidden agenda. Maybe the Mauritian wording to best describe the actual coalition could be Met lisien pou veil saucisse. Except for N.Ramgoolam, who just yesterday somewhat thanked the Opposition for asking him questions which opened his (as yet) blind eyes to the corruption and abuse of office which goes on around him, many who follow the local political scenery will agree whats most important for the country at this stage is the competence (or lack thereof) of actual government and what they decide do within the next three years in power. Apart from much anticipated municipal elections and electoral reforms, the next three years are going to be tricky for both macro & micro economic levels. A.Jugnauths attempt to overthrow the majority, or coup dtat as N.Ramgoolam so childishly termed it, clearly failed. This stunt was the master plan of the Opposition Coalition, so any way you look at it, the Opposition Coalition has started off on a rotten base, and now its starting to stink. Thats probably what made you sit down to write your article, thats to say, youre complaining about the stench. Hopefully for Mauritius, N.Ramgoolam has 3 years to climb down from the holy mountain which he described during his faddy daddy 1st May speech and start creating opportunities for the government to get back the money spent abundantly during his 7 years in power. If he thinks a slowdown in corporate tax revenue and a in national consumption VAT revenue wont even scratch the countrys public revenue in the near future, hes got the wrong people working for him as Ministers. So before even thinking about the Opposition and the entire BS going on within their ranks, much obliged to closely consider the actual government and try to change N.Ramgoolams mind instead. Hes more vulnerable than many think, he recently admitted it, and the vulnerable guy who he is happens to be holding the reins of power. If his government stuffs up during the next 3 years therell be nothing left for the next elected government, except for the personal pride of winning over power just for the sake of it. Only then will Mauritians learn the meaning of austerity through nullified government spending because therell be nothing left to spend and the cost of borrowing will be too high to be sustainable. If I were you, Id worry about the government in power, not the opposition. Thats the bottom line.
Nice article. It's unfortunate that Paul does not realise th...
Nice article. It's unfortunate that Paul does not realise that putting forward people like Vishnu, Kee Chong, Steeven... at his weekly press conference will help give more credibility and seriousness on specific matters relating to the economy, finance, education and any other aspect regarding public life. This will show that there is a team behind with specific roles and responsibilities attacking to the different problems affecting our society. Instead we are condemned to assist at a most boring one-man show every Saturday by an old nostalgic boring chap, worn out by time and who has lost all credibility through his various alliances and who believes that he is still 'le meilleur' and that we cannot survive without him on the political scene. Like Navin, no one can think or decide apart from him. He is the MMM, he is the ultimate.
Berenger factor
It is sad to witness a former colossus of the political arena in the throesof finality.That now,he Berenger,is a pale shadow of himself lies primarily the reason for the current emasculation of opposition.The old boy has spent the best part of the last six months wooing the Jugnauths,and making increasing outlandish claims about the downfall of the Government.If only he should start to engage politics with a perceptive gusto,the Government should wake up from their stupor.Instead because of him,Navin & co are enjoying enduring beach parties.This Nation deserves better.
most of the views of this writer are far away from reality i...
most of the views of this writer are far away from reality it is time he stopped peddling tainted views
OPPOSITION
Absolutely right,raja jaria...including his views about Francois Hollnde's car!The latter hasbeen given the keys and secret codes for the French offensive nuclear missiles...how much does this nuclear arsenal cost the French taxpayer?He not only has got it wrong about Paul Berenger and the Opposition,he has got it wrong about PTR too!It is so easy to blame Berengerfor the decision taken by the electorate in May 2010.To note too that the May 2010 government is no more.How come?