Zim lawmakers threaten to hold Biti hostage

Parliamentarians across the political divide are plotting war against Finance minister Tendai Biti by holding back approval of his 2012 budget proposals until he gives in to their demands for new cars and unpaid salaries.

MPs last week threatened to attend Parliament dressed in overalls unless they were paid their outstanding allowances.

Debating the issue last Wednesday, the MPs said the outstanding allowances had demeaned their social status, adding the could no longer afford to wear expensive attire from the meagre income they were getting.