– Tax collection falls short of expectations
– PODEMOS proposal to resolve post-election crisis awaits Nyusi’s response
By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – President Filipe Nyusi stated on Wednesday that the Mozambican government may be unable to pay public sector wages due to a drop in tax revenue collection, a reflection of the post-election crisis.
Speaking in a report aired by the state television station, TVM, Nyusi disclosed that, with just a month remaining in the year, the Tax Authority has managed to collect only 80% of the tax revenue forecast for 2024. This figure is significantly lower than usual for this period in a normal fiscal year.
“There is a concerted effort to disrupt economic borders, particularly at Ressano Garcia (on the border with South Africa). The shortage of goods began primarily with stalled production, which also affects tax revenue. So far, we have collected only 80% of the planned amount,” Nyusi said, stressing that this situation could jeopardise the payment of wages for essential sectors such as teachers and nurses.
Delays in public sector wage payments, however, have been a recurring issue in Mozambique since the introduction of the Unified Wage Table (TSU) around two years ago. Designed to harmonise wages in the public sector, the TSU has mostly benefited high-ranking state officials, while other professional categories, such as teachers, doctors, and nurses, have reported a lack of improvement in their earnings.
Nyusi also emphasised that his government does not benefit from direct budget support, which was previously provided by international partners. This support was suspended in 2016 following the hidden debt scandal.
“We don’t have a donated budget, unlike other governments that had such good fortune. In 10 years, I’ve never had that luck,” Nyusi lamented.
As the post-election crisis deepens, PODEMOS, led by Albino Forquilha, has submitted a proposal for dialogue to the President and the ruling party, Frelimo, in an attempt to resolve the crisis. However, Nyusi has yet to respond to the initiative.
Mass protests continue to hit the country. On Wednesday, the first day of a new phase of demonstrations, public services and road traffic were severely disrupted, particularly in the capital city of Maputo. This phase of protests is expected to continue until next Wednesday, 11 December, according to fugitive opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. (NM)
