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Mnangagwa of suffering from 'power delusions', says Chamisa
1 hr ago |
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Opposition politician Nelson Chamisa has criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to declare his birthday a public holiday, as well as his apparent intention to remain in power beyond 2030, describing the developments as self-serving and indicative of an unhealthy attachment to power.
Mnangagwa on Wednesday declared September 15, his birthday, an annual public holiday known as Munhumutapa Day through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
The holiday takes its name from the royal title associated with the Munhumutapa Empire, which existed between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Mnangagwa has also indicated that he could remain in office until 2035, during remarks at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Zimbabwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo.
Commenting on the developments shortly after signing the book of condolences for the late European Union envoy Katrin Hagemann, Chamisa dismissed the initiatives as a "pipe dream with very short legs".
"Mugabe, this day, his birthday, was a holiday. Mnangagwa, his birthday is a holiday. The next leader, his birthday is a holiday. That's totally unacceptable. It tells you that something is wrong," he said.
Chamisa also questioned Mnangagwa's legitimacy as president, citing his longstanding dispute over the outcome of the presidential election.
Asked about Mnangagwa's apparent plans to remain in office until 2035, Chamisa said he had previously warned against attempts to extend presidential tenure.
"He wants to be life president. But, you know, something happens when one gets to that office. It started with Smith. He said, not in a thousand years," he said.
Chamisa accused Mnangagwa of suffering from what he described as "power delusions", drawing parallels with the late former president Robert Mugabe, who remained in office for decades.
"It started with Mugabe. Now, this one is also thinking that he will be there forever. But it's all delusions. You know, there's something that deludes people when they get to that office. I think something must be done to really exorcise the demon that is at the State House. People get drunk with power," he said
Mnangagwa on Wednesday declared September 15, his birthday, an annual public holiday known as Munhumutapa Day through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
The holiday takes its name from the royal title associated with the Munhumutapa Empire, which existed between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Mnangagwa has also indicated that he could remain in office until 2035, during remarks at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Zimbabwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo.
Commenting on the developments shortly after signing the book of condolences for the late European Union envoy Katrin Hagemann, Chamisa dismissed the initiatives as a "pipe dream with very short legs".
Chamisa also questioned Mnangagwa's legitimacy as president, citing his longstanding dispute over the outcome of the presidential election.
Asked about Mnangagwa's apparent plans to remain in office until 2035, Chamisa said he had previously warned against attempts to extend presidential tenure.
"He wants to be life president. But, you know, something happens when one gets to that office. It started with Smith. He said, not in a thousand years," he said.
Chamisa accused Mnangagwa of suffering from what he described as "power delusions", drawing parallels with the late former president Robert Mugabe, who remained in office for decades.
"It started with Mugabe. Now, this one is also thinking that he will be there forever. But it's all delusions. You know, there's something that deludes people when they get to that office. I think something must be done to really exorcise the demon that is at the State House. People get drunk with power," he said
Source - NewZimbabwe
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