The government has warned of the potential economic consequences of a general strike called illegally by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. During the usual press briefing, held this Tuesday (22), the spokesman for the Council of Ministers, Filimão Suaze, called on citizens to distance themselves from demonstrations and movements that could jeopardise the continuity of economic activities in the country, as reported by the newspaper Notícias.
According to Suaze, workers, especially in the private sector, could face serious repercussions on their salaries if they choose to join the strike, since the productivity of companies depends directly on the presence and work of their employees.
‘Someone who should go to work to produce their salary runs the risk that their employer won’t be able to pay them because of the interruption in economic activity,’ he explained.
The spokesman also pointed out that a strike can only be called by unions or groups of organised workers, within the parameters of the law. Any action outside this context is illegal and could lead to legal consequences for those involved.
‘The concept of a strike is not a political expedient; it is a mechanism used by trade unions to demand better working conditions or wages,’ he stressed.
In addition to the impact on wages, Suaze emphasised that the paralysis of economic activities could harm the functioning of public and private institutions, compromising the country’s economic growth and stability.
The government also appealed to parents and carers not to allow their underage children to take part in illegal protests or marches, which, according to Suaze, could be used for unknown and dangerous purposes.
Mondlane called the general strike in protest at the results of the 9 October elections, which gave Frelimo presidential candidate Daniel Chapo a significant lead. In addition, the candidate announced a march to denounce the murder of lawyer Elvino Dias, linked to the extra-parliamentary Podemos party. Both events, which took place recently, were repressed by the Defence and Security Forces due to disorder and the interruption of traffic on public roads.
Finally, the government urged Mozambicans to remain calm and respect legal norms in order to guarantee the country’s stability, warning that joining illegal movements could result not only in the loss of income, but also in severe legal consequences.
