Zimbabwe’s lawmakers have threatened to reject the 2022 National Budget proposal saying the government’s statement of expenses and income was “useless”.
Several legislators want to reject the proposals when the Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube takes it to Parliament for debate and possible endorsement.
Ncube last week presented a ZWL$927.6bn National Budget which analysts said lacked any attempt to meaningfully resolve the country’s economic crisis.
Norton legislator Temba Mliswa warned this week lawmakers would reject the budget.
As Parliament, we have not done what we are supposed to do. Chief whips have been a big let-down in Parliament for whipping MPs to pass useless budgets.
To chief whips let me warn you, this time you are going to lose. We can no longer be kids any more. We are going to reject this budget this time. Tinotambiswa bhora risina mweya.
Chegutu East legislator, Webster Shamu said he wanted Ncube to reconsider the budget. He said:
The budget is in Zimbabwe Dollar but it’s going to be affected due to fluctuations.
Shamhu added that legislators had highlighted the issue of legacy debts during a pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls, “But up to now, nothing has been done.
Southerton MP Peter Moyo also weighed in saying: “We will not pass this budget. It’s like a Mafia gang style.”
Senator, Chief Fortune Charumbira said the finance department was abusing them. He said:
We did not agree to cellphone levy in Victoria Falls and many other things. So, what were we doing in Victoria Falls (pre-budget conference). Tirikushandiswa [we are being used].
MDC-T deputy president Thokozani Khupe also raised serious concerns saying that the allocated money is not released. She also urged Ncube to, “Remove that $50 cellphone levy.”
The threat to reject the budget comes as analysts say the financial plan, which is 18.3% of GDP, does not instil hope to revive the economy.
Ncube said the US$50 cellphone levy will be refunded within 30 days if import duty had been paid.
More: BusinessTimes