PM hands over to son as opposition demands new election

Mauritian Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth handed over power to his son Pravind on Monday despite anger from the opposition which has called for new elections in the island nation. Jugnauth, 86, officially handed his resignation to President Ameenah Gurib Fakim – whose role is ceremonial – after long hinting he would step down before […]

Mauritian Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth handed over power to his son Pravind on Monday despite anger from the opposition which has called for new elections in the island nation.
Jugnauth, 86, officially handed his resignation to President Ameenah Gurib Fakim – whose role is ceremonial – after long hinting he would step down before his term expires in 2019.
“The job of prime minister involves great responsibility. It is a great burden. I have carried it but now it is time to make way for the youth,” he said after resigning.
His son Pravind, 55, was sworn in at a ceremony boycotted by the opposition.
The younger Jugnauth was both finance minister and leader of the ruling Militant Socialist Movement (MSM). Constitutionally, it is he who takes over if the prime minister resigns. However the opposition has rejected his “inheritance” of the position and called for a protest Friday.