Crisis within the education system: government solidarity for lack of means

The ruling power makes the next step into its ongoing struggle with the union of national education teachers. As a result of a cabinet meeting especially addressing this crisis, the Prime Minister Beriziky offered MGA 25 billion instead of the amount claimed by striking officials. “The State cannot afford more than that,” he said while recalling the administration’s  austerity policy.
Omer Beriziky puts an offer on the table, renews the call to patriotism so that striking teachers resume working, and blames the pending schoolyear’s pending crash on the strikers, could they ever turn his offer down. This strategy, actually deemed to demonize the public school teachers’ movement, has so far been failing to influence the public opinion.
MGA 25 billion would be granting a MGA 50 000 a month to primary and secondary school teachers. “We preferred to increase one particular allowance at a time instead of dividing the amount. This allowance shall be provided to all of the public school teaching officials, the active ones and the others “declared the national education minister.
Manoro Regis did away with his orders and threats which had no other effect but enfuriating the strikers. He promises “to do what it takes to share the extra out in May, and if ever not possible, then in June.” The other allowances would be addressed by the State in due time, in accordance with the State’s budget. Following a failed appointment with the teachers’ union leaders, Andry Rajoelina ruled whatever negotiation out. “The state cannot afford giving teachers what they want,” he repeated during the cabinet meeting. The transitional leader argued that an expense of MGA 210 billion would be condemning some ministerial departments to bankruptcy.
The ruling power’s Finance Minister put MGA 15 billion on the table. The Education Minister extended it to 20 billions was rejected by the SEMPAMA. The final offer amounts to MGA 25 billion. “We made deductions from other departments’ budget,” warned Hery Rajaonarimampianina while recalling the lack of financial support. He, who promised to “blow his own hand off” if the union could find a better solution than 15 billions, finally gives in. The ruling power is expecting this latest bid to drive the union to put an end to its movement. “The meetings are over, it is now all up to teachers” means the Rajoelina government. Should this be considered as the last warning? Prior to the usual HAT’s “legalized” retaliation?
The SEMPAMA succeeded in convincingly flexing its muscle and standing tall to threats of wage suspension and contract termination produced by the Minister Manoro Regis. Few days to the historic date of May 13th, the ruling power is dying for keeping potentially dangerous protests away from the street. High school pupils are requiring a quick and favorable response to their teachers’ claims. Negotiations are definitely not over yet.