IRRITATING ARROGANCE OF CABINET MINISTERS IN PARLIAMENT
The Socialist Party views with profound concern and disappointment the persistent, undignified manner in which Cabinet Ministers respond to vital questions raised on the floor of Parliament. It has become a predictable and shameful routine that whenever Opposition Members of Parliament stand up to seek clarity on national issues, their questions are met with mockery, derogatory remarks, and a tired, repetitive blame game directed at the previous regime.
The Executive wing of government must be reminded of a fundamental principle of our democracy: Members of Parliament do not speak for themselves; they speak for the masses. The questions raised in the House are initiated by ordinary citizens, workers, and peasants in respective constituencies who are feeling the harsh realities of our economy. When a Minister stands up to answer, they are not merely addressing an individual MP; they are addressing the entire nation.
We note with grave concern that highly technical and complex portfolios, such as the Ministry of Finance, have become hubs of condescension. The recent patronising responses by finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane regarding the IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) serve as a clear example of this intellectual arrogance. Instead of breaking down complex macroeconomic policies to educate and guide the public, the leadership chooses to belittle those seeking clarity.
This toxic attitude has created a dangerous chilling effect within the House. It discourages MPs, particularly those without deep technical backgrounds, from actively contributing to crucial national debates for fear of public embarrassment.
By silencing the people’s representatives through ridicule, the government is effectively silencing the voice of the ordinary Zambian. Furthermore, hiding behind meaningless bureaucratic phrases like “when funds are available” offers zero accountability and treats the urgent developmental needs of our communities as a joke.
It is now over five years since the UPND administration took office. The excuse of the “previous regime” is entirely irrelevant. As the saying goes, you cannot drive a vehicle forward if you are looking in the rearview mirror all the time. The mandate given to the current government was to provide solutions, not perpetual excuses.
This continuous erosion of decorum has severely damaged public trust. Ordinary citizens are turning off their radios and tuning out of parliamentary broadcasts because political theatre and mockery have completely superseded objective governance. Parliamentary responses should be a key, serious channel for state communication, not an arena for partisan point-scoring.
On behalf of the Socialist Party, we appeal to the Executive and all Cabinet Ministers to show the maturity, respect, and dignity that the people of Zambia deserve. We also call upon the Speaker of the House to strictly enforce standing orders to restore the honour of Parliament. Our people demand serious answers to serious national questions, and we will not allow the dignity of our public institutions to be compromised by arrogance.
Fred M’membe
SP President