The opposition parties in Mozambique consider that the measures to stimulate the economy, announced by the Government of the Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) are disappointing.

"The measures presented by the head of state frustrate and disappoint the Mozambican people, in that they do not solve the problem of hunger and poverty," says Ismael Nhacucue, spokesman for the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), the second largest opposition party in the country.

"The measures are cosmetic and do not solve the problems of the economy in the short term," further criticizes the MDM spokesman, who expected, among other measures, a greater reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT), beyond the percentage point announced by President Filipe Nyusi, which puts VAT at 16%.

"We expected the government to be bolder in its measures, especially long-term measures, lowering VAT to 14%. Reducing the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) by 10% in the agriculture and urban transport sectors is counterproductive," Ismael Nhacucue argues.

"Election Manifesto for 2024"

Ossufo Momade, leader of the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), the main opposition party in Mozambique, has no doubts: "I have the utmost certainty that FRELIMO and Nyusi are not up to solving our country's problems."

For the RENAMO leader, the announced measures "are nothing more than an electoral manifesto for 2024," because "Filipe Nyusi does not have time to solve those problems," he stresses.

"Who is the administrator and governor going to solve it, if they are the ones who have ruled the country since 1975? What they should do is solve the problems of Mozambicans," challenges Ossufo Momade.

FRELIMO optimistic

FRELIMO, the ruling party, praises the Government and considers that the measures will help in the growth of the economy and development of the country. For this, according to Roque Silva, secretary-general of FRELIMO, it is necessary that Mozambicans engage more in production.

"I don't know if you can imagine what a reduction of 1% of all the VAT collected in the country represents. But he [the President] made that decision because he knows it will help our economy grow," he emphasizes.

"His vision is to invest today to reap tomorrow. Those measures alone won't produce results, but they will produce results if everyone does their part of the work," concludes Roque Silva.