Prime Minister of Mauritius Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of Mauritius
Flag of Mauritius
Coat of arms of Mauritius
Incumbent Navin Ramgoolam since 13 November 2024
Style	The Honourable
Seat	New Treasury Building, Treasury Building, Intendance Street, Port Louis
Nominator	The President who must appoint the MP supporting a clear majority in the National Assembly
Appointer	The President of Mauritius
Term length	At The President's Pleasure serving as long as the office holder has a majority in the National Assembly
Inaugural holder	Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
Formation	12 March 1968; 57 years ago (1968-03-12)
First holder	Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
Deputy	Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius
Salary	500,000 Mauritian rupee
Website	Prime Minister Office

The prime minister of Mauritius (French: Premier Ministre de Maurice) is the main leader of the government in Mauritius. This person leads the Cabinet of Ministers, which is a group of top government officials. They give advice to the President and are responsible to the National Assembly for their actions.

This job is the most powerful in the country. The Prime Minister also handles other important roles. For example, they are in charge of defense, home affairs, and keeping law and order. They also lead the National Assembly, setting the agenda for parliament. The Prime Minister is also responsible for the island of Rodrigues and other smaller islands.

The Prime Minister is the head of the government and leads the Cabinet. They are second in importance only to the President. Usually, the Prime Minister is the leader of the political party or group that wins the most votes in an election.

Currently, Navin Ramgoolam is the Prime Minister of Mauritius. He is the leader of the Labour Party. President Prithvirajsing Roopun appointed him on November 12, 2024. This happened after the previous Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, resigned. The Prime Minister's official home is Clarisse House. Their office is in Port Louis. Anerood Jugnauth was the longest-serving Prime Minister, holding the position for about 19 years.

What the Prime Minister Does
History of the Prime Minister's Role
Taking an Oath
See also

What the Prime Minister Does

The Prime Minister of Mauritius has many important duties. These roles help keep the country running smoothly and safely.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

Law and Order: Making sure laws are followed and people are safe.
Civil Status, Citizenship: Handling records of births, deaths, and who is a citizen.
Electoral Affairs: Overseeing elections to make sure they are fair.
Government Information Services: Sharing important news from the government.
Meteorological Services: Managing weather forecasts and warnings.
Civil Aviation: Looking after air travel and airports.
Human Rights: Protecting the rights of all people in Mauritius.
Strategic Policy: Planning for the country's future.
Outer Islands of Mauritius: Managing the smaller islands around Mauritius.
Ministry of Defence: Protecting the country from threats.
Home Affairs: Dealing with internal security and police.
External Communications: Handling relationships with other countries.
Rodrigues: Overseeing the administration of Rodrigues island.
Territorial Integrity: Making sure Mauritius's borders are secure.

The President chooses the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the second most senior person in the country, after the President. This person is usually the leader of the biggest political party or group that forms the government. The job of Prime Minister is explained in the Constitution of Mauritius.

After Mauritius became a republic in 1992, the President became the head of state. The President has special powers, like calling or ending parliament sessions. They also appoint the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Prime Minister's job is to advise the President on when to use these powers.

History of the Prime Minister's Role

The role of the Prime Minister in Mauritius has changed over time. It began before the country gained full independence.

Before Independence

Before Mauritius became independent, it was under British rule. During this time, the main government leader was called the chief minister. The British governor had the most power. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was the only chief minister. He served from 1961 until Mauritius became independent in 1968.

After Independence

The job of Prime Minister was created on March 12, 1968, when Mauritius became an independent country. At first, Queen Elizabeth II was still the head of state. Her powers in Mauritius were handled by the governor-general.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (often called SSR) became the first Prime Minister of Mauritius after the 1967 election. He was re-elected in 1976 and stayed in office. In the 1982 election, Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) and his political group won. He became Prime Minister. His group later split, and new elections were held in 1983. SAJ formed a new group and was elected again. He also won the elections in 1987 and 1991, continuing as Prime Minister. Navin Ramgoolam became the leader of the opposition during this time.

Becoming a Republic

The Prime Minister's office is located in Port Louis.

On March 12, 1992, Mauritius became a republic. This meant the President became the head of state. The President gained powers like calling parliament meetings and appointing the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister advises the President on these decisions.

With the new constitution in 1992, general elections are held every five years. After the 1995 election, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam became Prime Minister for the first time. He lost the 2000 election. In 2000, the Prime Minister's job was shared. Sir Anerood Jugnauth served for three years, and Paul Bérenger served for two years.

After the 2005 election, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam became Prime Minister again. He was re-elected in 2010. The 2014 election brought Anerood Jugnauth back to the Prime Minister's office. Pravind Jugnauth became Prime Minister on January 23, 2017. He was appointed by President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim after his father, Anerood Jugnauth, resigned. Pravind Jugnauth won the 2019 election, keeping his party, the MSM, in power.

Taking an Oath

When someone becomes Prime Minister, Minister, or Junior Minister in Mauritius, they must take an oath. This is a serious promise to do their job well and honestly. The Prime Minister usually administers this oath.

Here is what the oath says:

I, ......................, being appointed Prime Minister/Minister/Junior Minister, do swear (or solemnly affirm) that I will to the best of my judgment, at all times when so required, freely give my counsel and advice to the President (or any other person for the time being lawfully performing the functions of that office) for the good management of the public affairs of Mauritius, and I do further swear (or solemnly affirm) that I will not on any account, at any time whatsoever, disclose the counsel, advice, opinion or vote of any particular Minister or Junior Minister and that I will not, except with the authority of the Cabinet and to such extent as may be required for the good management of the affairs of Mauritius, directly or indirectly reveal the business or proceedings of the Prime Minister/Minister/Junior Minister or any matter coming to my knowledge in my capacity as such and that in all things I will be a true and faithful Prime Minister/Minister/Junior Minister. (So help me God.)

Prime Minister of Mauritius facts for kids

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