Malawi Cables
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly criticized the 2025/2026 national budget, calling it “unrealistic” and accusing the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government of economic mismanagement. The response was presented in Parliament by Hon. Ben Malunga Phiri, MP for Thyolo Central, who described the budget as a continuation of what he called “five years of economic hardship and wasted budgets.”
In his address, Phiri accused the MCP-led government of failing to fulfill key campaign promises, including lowering fuel prices, creating one million jobs, and reducing the cost of fertilizer. He highlighted that fuel prices had tripled since 2020, job losses had reached 800,000, and fertilizer prices had skyrocketed from K4,495 per bag to over K140,000.
“The 2025-2026 Budget is full of fiction and drama. It is another empty promise from a government that has failed Malawians,” Phiri stated. “The economy has collapsed under MCP, and people are suffering more than ever.”
Economic Mismanagement and Rising Poverty
Phiri referenced World Bank statistics showing that 71% of Malawians now live in extreme poverty. He blamed the current administration for implementing policies that have led to high inflation, worsening foreign exchange shortages, and increased borrowing. According to him, public debt has ballooned from K4.1 trillion in 2020 to K16.1 trillion in just four years.
“The MCP government has borrowed K12 trillion in just four years, but where is the development?” he questioned. “Malawians are burdened with debt, while businesses are shutting down due to high interest rates and lack of forex.”
He further criticized the government’s handling of infrastructure projects, alleging that key roads such as the Chiweta Road in Rumphi, Balaka-Liwonde Road, and the Lakeshore Road have been neglected despite repeated budget allocations.
Call for Change in September Elections
With general elections set for September 16, Phiri urged Malawians to reject the MCP government and vote for a return to DPP leadership under former President Arthur Peter Mutharika.
“The people of Malawi are angry. They feel cheated. This government has lied to them for five years, and now it is time for change,” he declared. “Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is coming back with proven leadership, and the DPP is ready to rescue the economy.”
He accused the government of political corruption, selective justice, and mismanagement of public institutions, including ADMARC, which he said had failed to provide affordable maize to the people.
DPP’s Alternative Vision
Phiri assured Malawians that a DPP-led government would focus on stabilizing the economy, reducing inflation, restoring investor confidence, and creating jobs. He promised better fiscal management, emphasizing that the DPP had left the economy in a better state when it was last in power.
“The 2025-2026 budget is a disaster waiting to happen. But Malawians should not lose hope. The darkest hour is just before dawn,” he concluded. “On September 16, we will roll away the stone and rebuild our country.”
The response from the DPP sets the stage for an intense political battle as Malawi heads toward the upcoming elections, with economic recovery at the heart of the debate.
