State House Responds to Opposition Letter Left at Gate

State House has today reacted to a letter delivered on Tuesday by a consortium of opposition leaders, noting that the document was left at the gates of State House rather than submitted through established channels of engagement.

In a press release on Wednesday, State House commended the peaceful conduct shown during the opposition procession, saying such restraint is fitting in a democracy that values responsible civic participation. However, it described the decision to leave what it called “an important national communication” at the gate as a curious choice, stating that it was puzzling “despite the President’s well-known openness to engagement.”

The statement further argued that the method offered little in advancing meaningful dialogue, pointing out that the letter was splashed across social media almost immediately before it even reached the President. According to State House, this suggested the gesture prioritised spectacle over substance.

President Hichilema is currently considering the contents of the letter and will respond in due course. The Presidency reiterated that State House remains “the people’s house,” accessible to all who seek genuine and constructive engagement.

The release also echoed the counsel of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who reminded leaders that disagreements are best navigated through fraternal encounter, dialogue and cooperation. It added that on issues where the opposition has been vocal, including energy, debt restructuring, mining and agriculture, government expects practical alternatives rather than symbolic acts.

State House maintained that prior communication would have enabled direct talks and reaffirmed its commitment to unity and democratic maturity.