It Is Scary That We Can Bring Back PF, Confesses President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has voiced profound concern over the legacy of the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF) government, asserting that Zambia "totally lost" the ten years between 2011 and 2021 under its stewardship. Speaking on the matter, the Head of State underscored his belief that the country's developmental trajectory was severely derailed, suggesting that Zambia would have been in a far more advanced state had the PF not been at the helm. The President's remarks reflect a recurring theme in the current administration's narrative, which often contrasts its governance approach with that of its predecessor. The decade under the PF, which saw two presidents – Michael Sata and Edgar Lungu – was marked by significant infrastructure development, particularly in roads and public buildings. However, it was also characterized by escalating national debt, concerns over corruption, and a perceived decline in democratic freedoms, issues that the current United Party for National Development (UPND) government has pledged to address. Hichilema's statement implicitly criticizes the economic policies and governance practices of the PF, which he and his party have frequently attributed to the country's current fiscal challenges. The UPND government inherited a substantial debt burden and an economy grappling with high inflation and unemployment. Their strategy has focused on fiscal consolidation, attracting foreign investment, and implementing social protection programs, all while frequently referencing the alleged mismanagement of the past as a justification for current austerity measures and reforms. The President's assertion that it is "scary" that the PF could potentially return to power highlights the deep ideological and policy divide between the two major political forces in Zambia. It also serves as a rallying cry to his supporters and a warning to the electorate about the perceived risks of reverting to past governance styles. This rhetoric is particularly po