The freedom of the press in Mauritius in the red zone
Freedom of the press is highly at risk in Mauritius, according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders. The 2023 edition of their World Press Freedom Index, published on May 3rd to coincide with World Press Freedom Day, ranks Mauritius 63rd in the world, down one place from the previous year. While Mauritius is one of the most democratic countries in Africa, the media landscape remains highly polarized, and there has been a visible increase in online attacks against journalists. RSF has called on the authorities to punish those responsible for such attacks.
Labor Day celebrated on May 1st
Workers across the island took part in various activities to commemorate the strength and resilience of the working class on May 1st. The Confederation of Private and Public Sector Workers (CTSP) organized its annual march, which started from its headquarters behind the Rose Hill market and ended at the workers' monument at Place Margéot. On the same day, the Rezistans ek Alternativ movement held a peaceful march along St. Jean Road to raise awareness among workers about the prospect of new rights in their profession, among other things.
Public debt on the rise in Mauritius
On April 30th, the Ministry of Finance released data showing that Mauritius' public sector debt had increased by Rs 34.3 billion in just one quarter, bringing it close to the Rs 500 billion mark. The debt includes Securities Issued for Borrowing Requirements worth some Rs 352.5 billion, foreign debt amounting to Rs 85.6 billion, and Public Enterprises Total Debt of Rs 61.2 billion. This rise in debt level has raised concerns among economists and financial experts, who have called for urgent action to address the situation.
