Government reaffirms there are no new privileges for former Heads of State

The Minister of State Administration and Public Service, Inocêncio Impissa, reiterated this Wednesday in the Assembly of the Republic that the Government has not approved any new benefits for former Heads of State, stressing that the current legal framework has remained unchanged for more than a decade.

Speaking during a briefing session for members of parliament, the official explained that the rights granted to former Presidents of the Republic were established in the 1990s and have been subject to occasional revisions over the years, the last one in 2011, without any new benefits being introduced since then.

According to Impissa, the recently approved decree does not create additional rights, but merely frames and clarifies existing norms, in an attempt to standardize the interpretation of current legislation.

"At no point are new benefits being created. What exists is the reaffirmation of rights that have already been enshrined in law for several years," he stated.

The minister also sought to refute information that has been circulating in the public sphere, considered inaccurate or taken out of context, especially regarding the alleged allocation of housing paid for by the State.

"It is not true that former Heads of State are entitled to state-paid housing. What is provided for is limited support for the maintenance of their residences," he clarified.

According to the governor, this support consists of a monthly allowance estimated at around 8,000 meticais, intended for maintenance and repair expenses, an amount he described as modest when compared to the housing costs borne by most citizens.

The statements come at a time when the issue of privileges granted to former holders of public office has generated debate and some controversy in Mozambican society, fueled by differing interpretations of the scope of the legislation.

Analysts believe that greater transparency and institutional communication are essential to avoid misunderstandings and strengthen public confidence in state decisions. Meanwhile, sectors of civil society advocate for a broader review of the benefits system to adapt it to the country's current economic context.

Despite criticism, the Executive maintains its position that the current legal framework is sufficient and does not contemplate any expansion of privileges, reaffirming its commitment to containing public spending and the responsible management of state resources. (privileges for former Heads of State)

The Minister of State Administration and Public Service, Inocêncio Impissa, reiterated this Wednesday in the Assembly of the Republic that the Government has not approved any new benefits for former Heads of State, stressing that the current legal framework has remained unchanged for more than a decade.

Speaking during a briefing session for members of parliament, the official explained that the rights granted to former Presidents of the Republic were established in the 1990s and have been subject to occasional revisions over the years, the last one in 2011, without any new benefits being introduced since then.

According to Impissa, the recently approved decree does not create additional rights, but merely frames and clarifies existing norms, in an attempt to standardize the interpretation of current legislation.

"At no point are new benefits being created. What exists is the reaffirmation of rights that have already been enshrined in law for several years," he stated.

The minister also sought to refute information that has been circulating in the public sphere, considered inaccurate or taken out of context, especially regarding the alleged allocation of housing paid for by the State.

"It is not true that former Heads of State are entitled to state-paid housing. What is provided for is limited support for the maintenance of their residences," he clarified.