- Presidential Bid and Vision: Atupele Muluzi confirmed his intention to be on the ballot in 2025, emphasizing that Malawians will vote for him to lead the country as President.
- Priority areas for development: Key focus areas include food security, energy, export promotion, education reform, tourism revitalization, and healthcare, with a strong emphasis on ensuring Malawi becomes food secure.
- Economic independence: Muluzi emphasized that Malawi has enough resources to generate wealth, advocating for innovative thinking and establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund to reduce reliance on foreign aid.
- Reforming governance: He proposed a new leadership style where the President is seen as a servant, not a boss, encouraging citizens to address him as “Mr. President” instead of “His Excellency.”
- Political strategy and alliances: The UDF is not considering alliances at the moment, intending to independently contest and serve Malawians. Muluzi reflected on past alliances as limiting voter choice.
- Thangata System and farmer empowerment: Criticized the exploitative system where poor farmers are disadvantaged, he promised to end this cycle and introduce policies to protect and empower smallholder farmers.
- Elections and democratic processes: He dismissed criticism of his uncontested candidacy within the UDF, comparing it to global examples like Donald Trump’s nomination in the Republican Party, asserting it reflects the will of the people.
- Changing voter mentality: Muluzi encouraged Malawians to vote based on hope and a vision for better governance rather than anger or frustration.
- Learning from the past: He acknowledged the lessons from UDF’s loss in 2020 and his own temporary resignation, stating that he used the time to travel, learn, and return with renewed insights to serve Malawi.
- Generational leadership: While recognizing his family’s political legacy, Muluzi emphasized his independence and the importance of learning from past leaders while addressing contemporary challenges.
