Madam Speaker, indeed, it is abundantly clear that most statistics have been deliberately falsified in order to create an illusion of an economic boom in the country. This deliberate manipulation of the macroeconomic figures has severely damaged the credibility of our institutions responsible for collecting and disseminating statistics in the country. Madam Speaker, Moody’s latest publication came out yesterday, 16 December, and it makes reference to this unprecedented practice. The House would recall that the June 2021 Issue of Economic and Social Indicators on the National Accounts Estimates was published on 28 June 2021. Two days later, that is, on 30 June 2021, a revised Issue of National Accounts Estimates was published. So, between the two publications, the GDP growth figures were increased from 4.4% to 5.4%, a full one hundred basis points over just two days. This is evidence of manipulation! The previous Chairman of the Statistics Board, a highly competent professional in the private sector, was asked to manipulate the figures. He refused! He refused to be part of the falsification of figures, and he said he would rather resign, which he did. But he refused to do it, and he should be applauded for this. After his resignation, Mr Charles Cartier was appointed as Chairperson of the Statistics Board on 29 November 2021 for a period of three years. He has just resigned on 18 November 2024. Madam Speaker, the exercise we have carried out on the State of the Economy has unearthed some of the despicable falsehoods that the previous Government was propagating. We have already initiated actions to repair the damage done by the previous Government. Furthermore, we are envisaging a serious restructuring of Statistics Mauritius with a view to restoring its credibility and also its reputation and its independence. We must ensure that such blatant manipulation is not resorted to by any government.

22 As for the setting up of the enquiry, I must say I am looking at it very, very closely because I think this might be the best way to prevent such a despicable practice. That is what I had to say.

Thank you. Hon. First Member for Savanne & Black River! PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SCHEME – FUNDS ALLOCATED – 2014 TO 2024