Vice-Prime Minister of Mauritius (French: Vice-Premier ministre) is an honorary title usually carried by up to two incumbent ministers of the Government of Mauritius, that does not exist separately under the Constitution of Mauritius.
Under the constitution, the only positions in the cabinet that are explicitly mentioned are the offices of Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney-General and other ministers, not exceeding the total of 24 members as required in the constitution. Article 59(2) also states that any other ministerial offices may be prescribed by the National Assembly or by the President, acting in accordance of the law and the advice of the prime minister.[2]
The creation of the position of Vice-Prime Minister under the Offices of Minister Act (2008) provided two positions under that title. The only requirement as explicitly stated under the act for the holder to have is to be a member of the National Assembly.[3] No other powers are vested upon the position and is thus merely honorific, allowing the elevation of important members of the government and giving them a higher precedence or recognition in the cabinet.
Therefore, in case of absence, illness or sudden death of the prime minister, it is only the Deputy Prime Minister who takes on the role and responsibilities of acting prime minister until the prime minister resumes office or another is appointed.
However, following a legal challenge to the appointments to the office, the Supreme Court of Mauritius ruled on 21 August 2008 that the constitution only provides for the appointment of a singular deputy prime minister.[2][4] In response, the government proposed a bill at the National Assembly to create offices for two Vice-Prime Ministers on 15 September. The bill was passed and subsequently adopted on 19 September.[5] Sithanen and Duval were eventually sworn in once again on 20 September under the virtue of the newly established office.[6]
Since its creation, the office has been continuosly used until 2024, when Ramgoolam himself declined to appoint any person to the office, citing that the constitution explicitly only mentions one prime minister and one deputy prime minister.[1]
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