Zim opposition boycotts budget presentation

ZTN correspondent

Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC legislators on Thursday boycotted Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube’s National Budget presentation, saying they do not recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Members of Parliament also walked out on President Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address in October, with Parliament threatening to dock their sitting allowances.

MDC secretary-general Charlton Hwende justified the Budget boycott, saying: “(Thursday)’s presentation does not change anything: attending and following on TV is exactly the same. No debate is allowed or conducted (during presentation).”

Political analyst Vivid Gwede said the opposition “should be consistent in their protests” as the lawmakers attended pre-budget sessions in Victoria Falls two weeks ago.