Vice-Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius Vice-Premier Ministre |
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Incumbent
Showkutally Soodhun since 17 December 2014 |
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Style | The Honourable |
Nominator | Aneerood Jugnauth |
Appointer | Ameenah Gurib |
Term length | 5 years or earlier, renewable |
Inaugural holder | Xavier Luc Duval, Rama Sithanen |
Formation | 5 July 2005 |
Website |
mof.gov.mu publicinfrastructure.gov.mu |
Vice-Prime Minister of Mauritius (French: Vice-Premier Ministre) is an honorary title carried by two incumbent Ministers of the Government of Mauritius, that does not exist under the Constitution of Mauritius, and has no statutory meaning. There is currently only one Vice-Prime Minister namely Showkutally Soodhun who is the Minister of Housing and Lands.
In 2005, the Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam proposed a motion at the National Assembly to create offices for two Vice Prime Ministers. As the Constitution already provides an office of Deputy Prime Minister, the National Assembly voted against the bill but provided with an understanding that two cabinet ministers who are senior members just behind the Deputy Prime Minister shall be officially known as Vice-Prime Minister but no office was created, making the position essentially an honorific title. Therefore, in case of absence, illness or sudden death of the Prime Minister, it is only the Deputy Prime Minister who can become the Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister resumes office or another is appointed.