We’re living in difficult times – M’membe
By Adrian Mwanza
ZAMBIA is at a critical juncture regarding its economic and political trajectory and we are living in very difficult and confusing times, Socialist Party (SP) president and People’s Pact Movement (PPM) 2026 presidential candidate Dr Fred M’membe has said.
Dr M’membe said in a statement the country was at crossroads and was experiencing crucial moments in its history which required active, conscious decisions to determine future direction rather than passive waiting or complacency.
He said having a clear, right purpose was more important than moving fast in the wrong direction.
“In situations like these, citizens, particularly the youth, should take responsibility for shaping their future, rather than waiting for it to be determined by the powerful few – the demagogic political champions who spring up in times like these. They may seem to be very demanding, but beneath they are nothing but political opportunists,” Dr M’membe said.
He said the crossroads was a point to decide between going forward, backwards, left or right, but not to live or rest.
There was no choice between being principled and unelectable; and electable and unprincipled. We should win because of what we believe in.
“A new and complex era such as this requires principles more than ever. It requires a lot more awareness. This awareness is built by adding experiences of the past and present together with a vision of an anticipated future,” Dr M’membe said.
He said it had to be built by adding together all revolutionary thoughts, the best ethical and humane ideas of all authentic religions, the sum total of the preaching of many political thinkers, of many progressive schools of thought.
Political ideas were worthless if they were not inspired by noble, selfless sentiments.
“Likewise, noble sentiments are worthless if they were not based on correct and fair ideas,” Dr M’membe said.
He said he had chosen to defend certain principles that were of tremendous value at a time of confusion and opportunism in the country and in the world, a time when many politicians were feathering their own nests.
