Party of National Unity (PNU) president Highvie Hamududu has urged government to come up with bold and radical measures in the 2020 budget that will bring about the much needed fiscal consolidation for attainment of economic stability and put the country’s economy on a robust growth path.

In a statement to News Diggers! Monday, Hamududu wondered why government was implementing the opposite of what the party promised the people of Zambia in 2011 which was lower taxes, more jobs and to put more money in people’s pockets.

“The 2020 national budget is very critical for PF government in putting the economy on a recovery path which has eluded them so far. It is very clear for all to see that the current 2019 national budget does not speak to the much needed fiscal consolidation and economic stimulation that is so necessary for economic stability and growth. Bold and radical measures are needed in the 2020 budget to bring about the much needed fiscal consolidation for attainment of economic stability and put the economy on a robust growth path. The government cannot continue with a business as usual in economic management as it cannot resolve the economic dilemma we are in. Zambian economic challenges have not reached insurmountable levels,” Hamududu noted.

“What is needed now is to defy the normal routine and bit the bullet and that should begin with radical and bold measures in the 2020 budget. For example, the government need to lower taxes to stimulate the economy. The country needs to have a competitive tax regime that attracts investment and promotes growth. Ghana has just done exactly that, now it is one of the fastest growing economy in sub-saharan Africa. Ghana has done exactly what PF promised the people in 2011 by lowering taxes. So PF government must implement its campaign motto of ‘lower taxes, more jobs and more money in people’s pockets’ because it is the correct thing to do and that is why people agreed with them in 2011 and gave them the mandate.”

Hamududu challenged the PF administration to honour the promises it made to the people of Zambia about nine years ago by coming up with a budget that reflected lower taxes.

“It is surprising how PF is doing the opposite of what they stand for, that is, ‘lower taxes, more jobs and more money in people’s pockets’. The 2020 national budget should reflect their motto of lower taxes that will stimulate growth and therefore, creating more jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets. As patriots, we wish the government success because it is good for the citizens. If they succeed, then we have all succeeded, but they must take time to listen, especially to critical voices because criticism is what builds,” said Hamududu.