The Assembly of the Republic (AR) convened the 2nd extraordinary session of the AR's Standing Committee today (Monday 14) to consider the request to postpone the debate on the National Development Strategy (ENDE) 2025-2044..

ENDE is a macro-planning document that reflects the understanding of the different segments of society about the path and priorities for the country's development over the next 20 years.

The Parliament's note does not name the entity requesting the postponement, but it seems to be the government.

The Strategy was scheduled to be considered by the HR plenary next Wednesday (16).

On Saturday (12), the RA's four working committees, namely Constitutional Affairs, Human Rights and Legality (CACDHL) Planning and Budget (CPO) Social Affairs, Gender, Technologies and Social Communication (CASGTCS) and Public Administration and Local Power (CAPPL) held a joint parliamentary hearing in Maputo, during which the government was represented by the Minister of Planning and Development, Salim Valá.

During the hearing, MPs wanted to know why public debt is not included in ENDE 2025-2044, as well as the government's strategies for guaranteeing access to decent housing for young people on low monthly incomes.

The parliamentarians also asked about the availability of mechanisms for young workers and entrepreneurs on limited incomes, including those on low incomes, to buy homes.

In another development, the Forum for Monitoring and Budgeting (FMO), a Mozambican civil society organization invited to take part in the hearing, said that ENDE 2025-2044 does not present an ambitious vision, nor structural changes over the next 20 years, in the case of four mandates.

The ENDE 2025-2044, according to FMO member Fátima Mimbire, presents a prospect of maintaining the status quo, with only slight improvements expected in some indicators, such as the quality of governance and the receptiveness of investments and quality of life of citizens.

(Photo DR)