By Edwin Mauluka
Four months into office, President Peter Mutharika says his administration has pulled Malawi out of what he described as a “man-made crisis,” blaming the previous Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led government.
Mutharika made the remarks during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the opening of the 2nd Meeting of the 52nd Session of Parliament, which also marks the start of deliberations for the 2026/2027 National Budget.
“What we have managed to deliver in four months is far more than what some governments could not deliver in five years,” said Mutharika, echoing the theme of his address: “The Path to Economic Recovery: Delivering a People-Centered Development.”
He said when he assumed office, Malawi was facing a severe crisis marked by shortages of food, foreign exchange, and fuel — factors that created a harsh business environment and drove up the cost of living.
“Life was becoming impossible for most Malawians,” he said. “At the same time, there were no medicines in hospitals. We were a country that could not even afford basic painkillers. Sadly, the economy was collapsing while public resources were being looted.”
Mutharika said his administration moved swiftly to reverse the situation by implementing key reforms, including halting fraudulent contracts, cutting excessive travel and non-essential spending, conducting a personnel audit in the public service, and promoting merit-based appointments.
He added that government also fast-tracked maize procurement to ease hunger, ensured the availability of affordable fertilizer, and replenished fuel reserves.
The President assured Malawians that his administration will now shift to full implementation of its campaign promises, with the upcoming national budget expected to outline the government’s development agenda following the return to power of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
However, opposition MCP officials have challenged Mutharika’s claims, arguing that tangible results are yet to be seen.
MCP deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda said expectations remain high but cautioned against overstating progress.
“It is impossible to deliver in four months what others did in five years. That is a statement politicians often make,” he said, adding that meaningful change may only become visible after two years.
MCP publicity secretary Jessie Kabwila also criticized Mutharika for failing to acknowledge the previous administration’s groundwork, particularly in maize procurement and road infrastructure.
She further faulted the President for not clearly outlining key campaign promises, including free food for public university students, fully subsidized secondary education, and addressing delays in civil servants’ salaries.
“Malawians are struggling with newly introduced taxes such as VAT and rental income tax. We expected the President to explain how these challenges will be addressed,” said Kabwila, adding that access to fertilizer remains a concern.
Meanwhile, MCP director of campaigns Moses Kumkuyu said the address lacked clear timelines for delivering campaign pledges. He also accused the government of diverting funds meant for the M1 road project toward fuel procurement, contributing to delays in infrastructure development.
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