Mugabe opens parliament to debate nationalisation

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ZIMBABWE’S embattled President Robert Mugabe opened a new session of parliament on Tuesday expected to push through radical plans to nationalise foreign firms ahead of general elections next year.

Mugabe, 83, and in power since independence from Britain in 1980, is seeking re-election despite accusations that he has plunged the southern African state into its worst economic crisis through a raft of controversial policies.

In the first five minutes of his address to the new session of the House of Assembly and the upper Senate, Mugabe said his government was battling to turn around the economy, which he says is a victim of sabotage by Western and local opponents trying to end his rule.

"Our economy continues to face challenges arising from the illegal sanctions imposed by our enemies," he said.

Mugabe said the new session of the House of Assembly and the upper Senate would be the last before general polls due by next March.

Political analysts say the proposed legislation before the chambers, including the constitutional bill seeking to combine parliamentary and presidential elections and the economic empowerment bill, could increase uncertainties about Zimbabwe's future.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill consolidating the electoral calendar has clauses giving parliament power to elect a new president if a vacancy occurred between elections. Analysts say this could give Mugabe an avenue to retire after the 2008 polls with room to influence who will succeed him.

But Mugabe plans to transfer control of all companies, including foreign banks and some mining operations, to locals under the black empowerment bill would further damage an economy already hit by his other controversial policies, they say.

Mugabe, arrived for the official opening in a convertible black Rolls Royce with his wife, Grace, in a long motorcade led by police on horseback and to loud cheering by hundreds of supporters from his Zanu PF party.

When he started speaking, Mugabe -- who was wearing a navy blue business suit, a sky blue shirt and a royal blue tie -- struggled with a croaky voice, before finding his normal timbre.

Zimbabwe under Mugabe largely follows British traditions in its parliamentary protocol, including opening annual sessions amid pomp and pageantry. - Reuters
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