The government will be in Parliament this week—today, the 5th, and tomorrow, the 6th—to answer questions from lawmakers regarding the country’s political, economic, and social situation, according to Radio Mozambique.
Quoted by the media outlet, the spokesperson for the parliamentary caucus of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), Dias Letela, stated that the party wants to know, among other things, about the measures adopted for the mechanization of agriculture, the promotion of youth employability, and the sustainability of the country’s natural resources.
Meanwhile, Ivandro Massingue, spokesperson for the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) party, stated that his caucus’s questions focus on the shortage of foreign currency in the domestic market, a situation that drives up prices and causes economic instability.
Meanwhile, Arnaldo Chalaua, spokesperson for the parliamentary caucus of the National Resistance of Mozambique (Renamo), explained that the party’s questions are centered on combating the terrorism that has plagued Cabo Delgado province since 2017, as well as on the sustainable management of natural resources.
Finally, Judite Macuácua, of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), added that her caucus wants clarification on measures to contain the fuel crisis and the repayment of the debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Currently, the country is grappling with various problems, including repeated strikes by healthcare workers and fuel shortages—factors that are causing hardships for society as a whole and negatively impacting development.
Recently, the government recommended rationalizing fuel consumption and acknowledged an upcoming price hike as early as next May, at a time when lines at gas stations are growing longer, pressure on distribution is mounting, and the perception of market instability is rising.
In a statement, the government sought to convey a dual message: on the one hand, it assures that the country continues to have fuel supplies; on the other, it acknowledges that the upcoming price adjustment will likely incorporate higher import costs associated with purchases made during a period of rising international prices. In the meantime, it calls for a change in behavior on the part of citizens and businesses, advocating the use of public transportation, restraint in consumption, and, whenever possible, teleworking.
The strike by healthcare workers in the country shows no signs of ending, with the profession demanding that the government present formal proposals that include specific deadlines for the payment of overdue subsidies and for the restoration of minimum working conditions in healthcare facilities.
The strike, which began on January 16, continues due to the persistent shortage of medical and surgical supplies, medications, and essential equipment—a situation that, according to healthcare professionals, seriously compromises the quality of care provided to the public.
On March 30, APSUSM had already accused the government of failing to comply with previous agreements, warning of a situation deemed “catastrophic” in the National Health Service, including the recording of 1,872 deaths linked to the lack of medicines and equipment.
