By Shongedzai Mugwagwa
Citizens have accused Members of Parliament of trying to arm-twist Government trajectory of implementing austerity measures for their quest of personal satisfaction.
Various MPs threatened the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube that his budget would not sail through if he failed to increase their budget allocation by 44 percent.
Luminaries on social media expressed their utmost disgust over the demands made by the legislators at a time Government is implementing austerity measures so as to stabilise the economy.
Twitter luminary, @matigary said that what the Parliamentarians are doing was tantamount to treason and that they had displayed their true characters that they were in the August House for money.
He said; “@MthuliNcube is trying austerity! But MPs from MDC & Zanu armtwist him for LandCruiser SUVs. Toyota yakatiparira. Instead of those foolish kudira jecha demos, if u demo against this, I will join. MPs extort govt, get luxury cars.”
Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa moved the motion saying that Parliamentarians also needed top of the range vehicles (latest 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers), golf course, gym, diplomatic passports and a banquet meal.
Elijah Chihota tweeted that Parliamentarians’ demands are inane and childish. He said his utmost disgust over the diplomatic passport issue.
“It’s a disgrace for MPs to demand top of the range vehicles. Crying for a gym is a shame @BitiTendai @hwende. Imagine demanding Diplomatic Passports yet they have not yet visited their constituencies since 30 July 2018. Where do they want to go before going to their constituencies?”
Nicole Hondo also tweeted, “What nonsense is that? Ndozvakaenderwa ku Parliament? Hey pakudya munobatana nhai ?”
Remmy_Mhofu said,“The notion that these MPs are public representatives who are principally there to serve their constituencies rings hollow. Zimbabwe is facing debilitating economic problem yet they have the audacity to ask for expensive and luxurious Land Cruisers. They only care about themselves.”
In his budget presentation, Ncube allocated Parliament $101 million but Mps wanted it to be raised to $161 million.
