In his opening speech during the first session of the 13th National Assembly, Zambia’s new president said the new administration will pursue constitutional and electoral reforms as he fulfils the election promises made by his United Party for National Development (UPND) to the electorate, which voted him into office.
With regards to the country’s economic situation, the president said: “Rebuilding our economy is top on our agenda, as this is what will deliver jobs, and better livelihoods for our people. We have indeed inherited an economy that is in dire straits and requires bold and decisive action to be taken to ensure recovery.”
Zambians welcomed the pronouncement, but observers say the UPND-led government should have revealed an implementation timeframe to avoid ‘mere rhetoric or failure’.
‘Literally, empty coffers’
In an interview with the BBC, Hichilema revealed that he had
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