“The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.” — George Eliot
Kugan Parapen member of Resistans ek Alternativ ( ReA) stands at a monumental crossroads, one that will decide the fate of Mauritius. As the country grapples with economic catastrophe—dwindling Bank of Mauritius reserves, skyrocketing inflation, and debt spiraling toward a Greek-like collapse—Kugan’s decision is being scrutinized by all. The Alliance of Change—the MMM, Ptr, and ND—has united to save the nation from Pravind Jugnauth’s crumbling regime, yet Kugan’s insistence on running in Constituency No. 18, alongside stalwart Arvin Boolell, threatens to divide the opposition.
Adam Smith spoke of the “animal spirits” driving economic growth, but under Jugnauth’s leadership, the spirit is sick and dying. Mauritius is sinking, and while the Alliance of Change fights to salvage what’s left, Kugan’s decision to prioritize his personal ambitions risks tearing apart the fragile unity. Karl Marx, in Das Kapital, warned of individual self-interest that leads to ruin: “The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.” Kugan’s pursuit of a personal political ticket, at this critical moment, risks making him the “useless” cog in the machine that could otherwise save Mauritius.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
If Kugan continues to push for his own candidacy in Constituency No. 18, it will only aid Pravind Jugnauth’s regime in clinging to power, turning what could have been a united front into a fractured mess. The MSM, through its manipulation of social media and fake bot armies, is already capitalizing on the cracks within the opposition. Every step Kugan takes toward personal gain is a step further from saving the nation from economic disaster.
The future of Rodrigues, the small but essential part of Mauritius, may also be sacrificed if the opposition fractures. MSM’s policies might even threaten to sell out Rodrigues’ interests, and without a united opposition to challenge the regime, the island’s fate hangs in the balance.
Kugan must look beyond personal ambition. By stepping aside and aligning fully with the Alliance of Change, he can demonstrate that Mauritius, not political power, is his priority. The opposition’s mission is not just to win an election but to rescue a nation on the verge of financial and social collapse. The time for personal tickets and ego-driven decisions has passed. Mauritius stands on a precipice, and Kugan Parapen’s choice could determine whether the nation falls or rises.
Will Kugan put Mauritius first, or will he let his personal ambition drive the country further into chaos? The nation watches, and history will not be kind to those who put themselves above their country’s survival. Now, more than ever, Mauritius needs leaders who will stand united, not divide. The clock is ticking, and Kugan must decide whether he will be part of the solution—or the reason Mauritius falters in its hour of peril.
Irshad Suffee-Editorial cocomaurice
