Mauritius’s miracle has a leak: protests reveal need for reform
Erforth, BenediktExternal Publications (88)
in: Megatrends Spotlight 88
When the taps ran dry in early October 2026, few expected an island known for its stability and resilience to burn. Protests over severe water shortages and the cost of living in Mauritius began on 7 October and escalated on 9 October, when a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman. The officer was taken into custody and formally charged, but looting, arson and attacks on police stations continued. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam condemned the acts of vandalism and vowed to identify the instigators and hold them to account. A curfew was imposed, and at least 195 people were arrested. Since then, the situation has calmed.
Volltext/Full TextMauritius recently experienced a wave of protests sparked by severe water shortages, inflation, and high cost of living. Benedikt Erforth argues that this reveals deeper structural problems and outlines how the economy can return to growth by innovating and adapting.
