Windhoek:Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has urged the National Assembly to prioritize addressing socio-economic challenges over procedural disputes and political confrontations.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Venaani shared his views during an interview on the Namibia Press Agency's 'Behind the Wheel' podcast, where he assessed the current Eighth National Assembly's performance.

Venaani, a veteran parliamentarian since the early 2000s, emphasized the need for the legislature to focus on issues impacting Namibians' daily lives, such as unemployment, housing, road infrastructure, agricultural development, and raw material processing.

He advocated for increased consultation among political parties and parliamentary leaders to resolve disagreements and urged Members of Parliament to respect parliamentary rulings.

Venaani highlighted that the role of Parliament is to find solutions to public challenges rather than allowing political disputes to hinder proceedings.

The current National Assembly, with a term from 2025 to 2030, has faced criticism for internal divisions that delay legislative business. Several crucial bills from 2025 remain pending, including those on petroleum, public enterprises, land, income tax, and regional councils.

Venaani pointed to these unfinished legislative items as evidence of the need for Parliament to balance legislative progress with broader national priorities.

He called on MPs to ensure debates and legislative work focus on public issues and help address the country's socio-economic challenges, emphasizing Parliament's responsibility to improve Namibians' living conditions.