Read < 1 minute

The outgoing Mauritian Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth appointed his son to succeed him in the PM role, citing the need for “young leadership”.

Jugnauth, 86, who has been in the post since 2014, the latest of several terms at the helm, announced on Saturday that his son and Finance Minister Pravind Jugnauth, 55, would be taking over from him.

President Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, who holds a largely ceremonial role on the Indian Ocean Island, on Monday said Pravind Jugnauth had been issued with a letter of appointment as the new prime minister.

Opposition in the country have condemned the move, calling for a referendum.

The formal swearing-in was due later on Monday.