On official mission: 15 majority MPs on mission abroad

The ranks of the ruling coalition have slimmed down over the past few days. 15 members of the parliamentary majority, including nine ministers, are currently on official trips abroad. On Tuesday, an official delegation left for China to attend a conference being held by the Chinese Communist Party. 

The Minister of Finance, Pravind Jugnauth, is currently in China at the head of a delegation comprising of his advisors and other aides. In all, the delegation comprises of six ministers and six MPs. Including ministers Ashit Gungah, Mahen Seeruttun, Pradeep Roopun, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun et Soodesh Callichurn.

Pravind Jugnauth is scheduled to return on Saturday November 5, while other members of the delegation will return on November 10. However, worth noting, the costs are borne by the Chinese Communist Party. During this time, the Prime Minister is handling the country’s finances.

The Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Luc Duval is currently in Europe until November 9 where he has scheduled meetings and working sessions. Minister of Gender Equality Aurore Perraud is acting as interim Tourism Minister in Duval’s absence while also filling in for Pradeep Roopun as Minister of Social Integration.

Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, was participating in the 16th Cabinet meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association held in Bali, Indonesia. He is being replaced by the Minister of Local Government, Anwar Husnoo who is also handling the Ministry of Education.

To make up for so many departures, Ministers having stayed in the country are juggling between their interim roles to make up for the absence of their colleagues. Hence, Minister of Housing and Lands, Showkutally Soodhun, is currently acting Minister of Labour while Sunil Bholah is acting Minister of Agro-industry on top of his responsibilities as Minister of Business. Sports Minister Yogida Sawmynaden is filling in at the Ministry of Trade for his colleague Ashit Gungah.